A fifth place in the skiathlon was followed up by the same placing in the 15 kilometer freestyle. William Poromaa is still young but makes no apologies for himself in Planica.
There have been no medals so far.
The Norwegians do not agree.
Had required feat
– You have to be humble, they are going too fast up front right now. Just keep going for it. But if I’m going to beat them today, then that’s damn Feat Gold on it. I can’t do much, unfortunately, says Poromaa.
In the end, he was just over 24 seconds behind Hans Christer Holund in bronze. The Norwegians also took care of the gold (Simen Hegstad Krüger), the silver (Harald Østberg Amundsen) and fourth place (Johannes Høsflot Klæbo).
Unlike at the skiathlon, where all four Norwegians were ahead of Poromaa, the Swede at least managed to beat one this time; Sjur Røthe was no better than – sixth.
It’s just a matter of lifting your hat, admits William Poromaa.
— It is inspiring. You know how fast they go and then you are there and fight them. It is fun. Even if I get beat, I know that the day I beat them, it’s going to be hell out there.
TT: You are the best here at the WC. Except the Norwegians.
– Haha yeah. Shut them down like the Russians and you are world champions. But that’s the way it is. They are here now and they are going fast. But it is clear that the idea is there, you are the best apart from them, says Poromaa.
Two chances left
The talented Swede has a competitive spirit called guta and he is rarely satisfied when he does not win or take a podium place. After the fifth place in 15 kilometers, however, there are slightly different tones.
This day he gave his all, it just wasn’t enough.
— It was a damn tough race. It was really “all out” today. Obviously, it’s disappointing too, even though it’s a race that’s very good. I am at the highest level I can be today, and I really go for it.
He feels he is getting closer to his first World Cup medal with each race. Two chances remain in Planica: the relay on Friday and the final five-mile on Sunday.
— We’re going for it in the relay, we have a chance of a medal. You just have to keep fighting. And the five-mile is a very good chance.