The Swedish freestyle skiers in Livigno have had a tough time at the Italian Olympics. Jesper Tjäder came fifth in slopestyle, mogul star Walter Wallberg was fourth in moguls and fifth in parallel, and Henrik Harlaut missed both slopestyle and big air due to concussion and knee problems, to name a few of the blue-and-yellow setbacks.
But towards the end of the Winter Games, the bad luck may be over.
The ski cross team - with star Sandra Näslund - is back in the small Italian ski resort after having honed the details back home in Sweden.
A replica of the Olympic track was built in Björnrike in Vemdalen.
“Good training”
We've had very good training there; it feels like a good recharge, says Näslund, explaining that the first part of the start was built up.
When we know what the start looks like and have the opportunity to practice those elements, it is clearly a big advantage.
National team captain Eric Iljans:
"In addition to the start, we had parts that are specific to this track, such as three rollers in a row where you might have to dampen one and double two. It's not a very common detail, so we practiced on it," he says.
What does it mean to train on such elements?
It gives confidence that the riders can feel safer in those parts.
The start is described as longer and more technical than in the World Cup, and it is something that Sandra Näslund believes could be a detail that speaks in her favor in Friday's Olympic competition.
“Best ski cross racer”
At the same time, the 29-year-old says "it's not just about getting the medal."
There's no question that I'm the best ski cross racer out there, but it's tough in ski cross. When I have a course that I like, no one has a chance, but on these types of courses it's tougher and you have to not make mistakes. You have to set the runs as you've planned, otherwise they'll be there and cut you.
Sandra Näslund has had two seasons ruined by injuries but enters the Olympics as the reigning champion and World Cup number one. The plan is to continue on the same path and advance to the next World Cup competition, in Kopaonik, Serbia, February 25 - 28, as a double Olympic gold medalist.
I would say I had more pressure on my shoulders four years ago. Now I have a gold medal, but it's clear I will go for another one.
Linnea Mobärg is also chasing a medal in ski cross. On the men's side, Erik and David Mobärg will race on Saturday.
Anders Wallin/TT
Facts: Sandra Näslund
TT
Born: July 6, 1996 in Kramfors.
Club: Kramfors.
Sport: Ski cross.
Olympics: 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026.
Selection of qualifications: Olympic gold medal in Beijing 2022, four World Cup gold medals, won the overall World Cup four times.
Current: Chasing a new Olympic medal in Livigno.
