The 25-year-old got the best possible start to the World Cup season when she crushed all opposition – including comebacking Therese Johaug – in Friday's 10 km classic. However, Saturday's competition was heavier.
I didn't have the right kick in my legs. It's more fun when you have speed variations. Yesterday was awesome. But it feels like I have a speed in my body and it's the same as yesterday, roughly. I haven't had time to do many passes of this kind. I've trained distance, hard and tough passes, but not so much speed, she says.
"I'm going to suffer"
Already before the competition weekend in Ruka, Finland, it was decided that Karlsson would skip the 20 km freestyle on Sunday.
It feels really sad. I'm going to suffer… My mood will only deteriorate, laughs Karlsson, who several times during the weekend has pointed out what a good mood she's in right now.
What's her plan instead?
My most important job is to cheer on the other girls and help test skis. It'll be fine, she says.
"Got a little fuel"
After the dramatic Saturday – where national team colleague and close friend Linn Svahn crashed off the track at full speed and ended up in the woods – Karlsson is extra motivated to help her achieve success.
That's the plan. To take out a gold pair with Linn. She's got a little fuel, says Karlsson.
Sweden is fielding six women and six men in the 20 km freestyle that concludes the competition weekend. Emma Ribom would have competed but is withdrawing due to back problems and is replaced by Märta Rosenberg.
The men's race starts at 09.30 and the women's at 11.25.
Men: Calle Halfvarsson, Måns Skoglund, Jens Burman, Johan Ekberg, Truls Gisselman, William Poromaa.
Women: Ebba Andersson, Maja Dahlqvist, Jonna Sundling, Linn Svahn, Moa Ilar, Märta Rosenberg.
