A knee injury ruined 2023–2024 and a fractured tibia meant that the following season, 2024–2025, also consisted of rehabilitation instead of competitions.
During that time, Sandra Näslund has had a clear goal.
She would return and have further success at the Olympics.
The 29-year-old took home the victory in Beijing 2022 and, given the result in China, she has been determined for some time not to settle for anything worse in Italy.
Run for gold
In Livigno, where the ski cross is decided, she is running for gold.
And considering the start of the season, the star is already one of Sweden's absolute biggest medal hopes ahead of the Winter Games.
The result line clearly shows why: 1–1–1–3–1.
She won the opening race in Val Thorens, France – her comeback – and continued to dominate. After third place in Innichen, the only disappointment of the season after a small mistake at the start, she got quick revenge in Italy.
A day later, she was back on the top position of the podium.
"I was prepared to fall behind but I got a good start and then I was able to focus on my skiing. I gave it my all on the upper part and rode more safely down here. It was perfect," says Näslund in Viaplay's broadcast.
Now there will be a celebration here and then home to the family.
Back in January
Linnea Mobärg did not advance from the quarterfinals. Her brother David Mobärg, third from Arosa, Switzerland, had a tough weekend in Innichen and was eliminated, just like on Saturday, in the round of 16.
The Ski Cross World Cup is now taking a holiday break and will return at the end of January.
The Olympics in Italy will be held February 6–22.
Facts: This is how the World Cup continues until the Olympics
TT
January 21–24: Veysonnaz, Switzerland.
28–31 January: Val di Fassa, Italy.
6–22: Olympics in Italy, ski cross will be held in Livigno.
