Johan Häggström also takes a place in the Swedish Olympic squad. With the selection of Halfvarsson and Häggström, the Swedish cross-country team for the competitions in Val di Fiemme next month is complete.
For veteran Calle Halfvarsson, it was a hair's breadth from becoming his fourth straight Olympics. After a turbulent season with a lot of illness and weak results, he was given one last chance to prove himself - and he took it.
New level
"I'm of course super happy. It was really at the last second; I'm surprised I managed to land this ticket in the end. It's been a tough season to say the least," Halfvarsson tells SVT.
The sixth place in the 10-kilometer classic during the World Cup in Oberhof, Germany, on Sunday was the deciding factor.
"Calle showed a completely new level compared with earlier this season. Calle is being selected as an alternate for the Swedish relay team," says Fredrik Joulamo, sports director at the Swedish Olympic Committee (SOK), in a press release.
"Everything to gain"
Halfvarsson himself hopes to compete in more than just the relay. And his goal is high.
"Now that I have made it to the Olympics, in the races I get to compete in I will go for a medal. I go into the championship with only positive feelings. My form is improving, so I'm not at much of a disadvantage. I have everything to win," Halfvarsson tells SVT.
Johan Häggström finished twelfth in Sunday's race in Oberhof and also initially impressed in Saturday's sprint, although that race ended with the 33-year-old being disqualified for obstruction.
"Johan is a versatile skier who can help the team in both sprint and distance," says Joulamo.
The Olympic cross-country skiing competitions begin on February 7.
Women: Jonna Sundling, Frida Karlsson, Ebba Andersson, Moa Ilar, Maja Dahlqvist, Linn Svahn, Johanna Hagström, Emma Ribom.
Men: Edvin Anger, William Poromaa, Alvar Myhlback, Anton Grahn, Truls Gisselman, Gustaf Berglund, Calle Halfvarsson, Johan Häggström.
