The Talents on the Label: "Can Say What They Want"

The two Skellefteå athletes are chasing medals in the U23 World Championship in Schilpario, Italy, next week.

Last year, Crüsell took JVM gold in both 10 kilometers classical and mixed relay.

This year, she hopes to achieve the same success in U23 – despite older competition.

You go there to take a medal. At the same time, a lot has to come together for it to happen. But you still aim high, says Crüsell.

"Not being nervous"

21-year-old Elin Henriksson is competing in her second consecutive U23 Championship. Last year, she took bronze in the mixed relay and was close to a medal on 10 kilometers classical, but finished fourth.

The goal this year is to try to enjoy and not be nervous or think it feels like a hassle. I have no idea about the medal chances, but it will be fun to get to ski everything and see if you can hold out for the whole week.

Crüsell and Henriksson are seen as great talents. Labels they think are a receipt for the hard work they have put in, but which do not affect them particularly much.

People can say what they want. I don't think about it much, says Crüsell.

"Got it better"

They enter the championship after a season they describe as stable.

Crüsell has had the chance to compete in the World Cup twice this winter.

I wasn't super happy after the first weekend in Lillehammer, but I got it better in Les Rousses last time. Fun to get the chance and you learn a lot.

Henriksson, on the other hand, has not had the chance to test the World Cup this winter.

I don't think about it too much. If you get to ski the World Cup, you're super happy and it's very exciting. But there is instead very good competition in both the Scandinavian Cup and here at home.

3–9 February in Schilpario, Italy.

JVM:

Ladies: Mira Göransson, Johanna Hägg, Kajsa Johansson, Minna Mikaelsson, Sofia Pedersen, Elsa Tänglander.

Men: Erik Bergström, Tage Börjesson, Jonatan Lindberg, Hugo Nilsson, Eddie Pettersson, Måns Ravald.

U23:

Ladies: Evelina Crüsell, Elin Henriksson, Lisa Ingesson, Märta Rosenberg.

Men: Oskar Algotsson, Anton Grahn, Erik Johansson, Måns Skoglund, Axel Werner.

Program:

Monday, 3 February: Sprint Classical (JVM)

Tuesday, 4 February: Sprint classical (U23 World Championship)

Wednesday, 5 February: 20 km mass start, classical (JVM)

Thursday, 6 February: 20 km mass start, classical (U23 World Championship)