One has just begun his journey to the top of the world. The other is in his third elite effort.
But there are a lot of similarities between Stina Nilsson, 32, and Alvar Myhlback, 19.
Both are new stars in the long-distance race cup. Both each took a slightly sensational victory in Vasaloppet earlier this year. And both do a little bit of what they feel like doing.
Alvar is truly unique. I think he is so cool that he has the courage to do what he wants and what suits him at the moment. A big compliment to him, he is doing absolutely right that he only does what he likes best, says Stina Nilsson at a digital press conference ahead of this weekend's long-distance premiere in Bad Gastein, Austria.
“My way”
That's exactly how she herself has reasoned over the years. Five years ago, she was the world's best sprinter, reigning Olympic champion, when she dropped the bombshell that she was changing sports to biathlon. Last year, it was time again, when she left biathlon for a new cross-country venture, although this time in long distance running.
Many pundits have had opinions on Stina Nilsson's choice. Similarly, Alvar Myhlback has received criticism for clearly prioritizing long-distance races over a focus on the World Cup and the Olympics.
"I want to believe that I am not influenced," says Alvar Myhlback about the opinion poll.
Then I think you are influenced more than you think. But sometimes it may also happen that I am influenced in such a way that I go the opposite way to the one everyone else wants me to go. But I always try to go the way I want. My way.
Turn a deaf ear
Stina Nilsson's only advice is not to listen to anyone.
"If you just look at how Alvar chooses to act, I think he's the last person to need advice from anyone. He probably stands strong and secure on the ground," says Nilsson.
Rather, she thinks more people should follow the 19-year-old's example. He has shown that it is possible to combine efforts, most recently through a sensational third place in the classic World Cup sprint in Trondheim last week.
Yes, I don't think the step between traditional skiing and cross-country skiing needs to be that big. So it's great to see Alvar doing so well in both.
December 13: 7 km, team pace, Bad Gastein, Austria.
December 14: 36 km, Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria.
January 17: 55 km, La Diagonela, Engadin, Switzerland.
January 25: 70 km, Marcialonga, Italy.
January 30: 1.5 km (sprint), Bedrichov, Czech Republic.
February 1: 50 km, Jizerská 50, Czech Republic.
March 1: 90 km, Vasaloppet, Sweden.
March 7: 50 km, women, Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden.
March 8: 50 km, men, Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden.
March 14: 54 km, Birkebeinerrennet, Norway.
March 21: 50 km, Marcialonga Bodø, Norway.
March 28: 45 km, Reistadløpet, Norway.
March 29: 60 km, Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja, Norway.
