After a successful last season with double World Junior Championship gold and a fine third place in Vasaloppet, Alvar Myhlback's big goal for the year was the senior World Championship in Trondheim.
But that dream seems to be shattered – and now he's worried about another blow.
Before Thursday's selection of the World Junior Championship team, which will compete in Italy at the beginning of February, the 18-year-old hasn't heard anything. He interprets this as not being selected.
I assume I'm not included, he says at a press conference before the weekend's Ski Classics.
I can't understand it. Of course, it's irritating since I really want to be included. It's sad.
National Team Leader Responds
Linda Danvind Malm is the leader of the Swedish junior national team. She doesn't say directly that Myhlback is being dropped, but emphasizes that he has known very well what is required to be selected. And that she told him earlier.
"You must have a result from our national junior cup and World Junior Championship test and the competitions in Bergeforsen are important. We establish our selection criteria for all selections before the season to give fair conditions to all active athletes so they know what is required to reach the championship", writes Linda Danvind Malm in a text message to TT.
Last week, a qualifying competition for the World Junior Championship was held, where Myhlback did not participate, instead competing in the long-distance cup, Ski Classics, in Swiss Engadin.
I want to do it my way, and if I'm going to perform well at the World Junior Championship, it wasn't the best (to participate in the qualifying competition). I won't do anything that's bad for me as a skier. But it had consequences.
"Not Fair"
He describes the situation as "hopeless".
I don't think it should be a discussion. It takes a lot of energy, which is a shame. And it's not fair. They make a decision that they know isn't good for any of us. I just think it's totally stupid.
Linda Danvind Malm on Myhlback's criticism:
"I and my colleagues respect those who choose to go their own way. But regardless of whether it's the Olympic Games, World Championship, World Cup, or World Junior Championship, we proceed from established selection criteria that provide conditions for equal terms."
Now Alvar Myhlback is instead focusing on Vasaloppet, and next Sunday's Ski Classics competition in Marcialonga.
