Linn Gestblom, formerly Persson, had surgery on her left shoulder right after the 2024 World Cup and was out for the entire last season. She had another surgery at the beginning of the year and only now is her shoulder completely free of problems.
"It has been a year of both progress and setbacks, but one thing has been certain: I have always had the goal of standing on the starting line in Östersund again," says Gestblom in a press release.
Waiting with a place
She made her competitive comeback on snow in the Swedish premiere last weekend and came third in the first race.
"Linn is a very stable biathlete and her presence strengthens the team. At the same time, due to the rehabilitation she underwent during the fall, she will not compete in all distances. Together with the national team doctor, physiotherapist and Linn herself, we have a plan that we have great confidence in with the goal that she will continue to develop her form," says national team coach Johannes Lukas.
Sweden also has six starting spots on the women's and men's sides for the upcoming season. Right now, five women have been selected and, given the special situation with cases of illness and a balanced women's squad, the national team is waiting to select the final spots until closer to the start of the competition.
"Because we live and start the season in Östersund, we don't have to travel anywhere, which is an advantage for us to field the most fit squad. We have had illness in the team and therefore want to wait and see how training develops before we decide who will be fielded for each competition," says Lukas.
Debutant selected
Anna-Karin Heijdenberg, Johanna Skottheim and Sara Andersson have been selected to compete either in the World Cup or the IBU Cup.
A debutant has been selected for the World Cup premiere, Melker Nordgren.
Facts: Swedish squad for biathlon premiere
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Selected for the World Cup in Östersund November 29–December 7:
Women: Anna Magnusson, Ella Halvarsson, Elvira Öberg, Hanna Öberg, Linn Gestblom.
One of Anna-Karin Heijdenberg, Johanna Skottheim and Sara Andersson will also get a place.
Men: Jesper Nelin, Malte Stefansson, Martin Ponsiluoma, Melker Nordgren, Sebastian Samuelsson and Viktor Brandt.
