In March, Cornelia Öhlund shocked everyone, including herself, when she was the fastest of all in the second run of the World Cup slalom. The knockout run was enough for a tenth place overall and Öhlund has a hard time finding the words when she has to describe the day in Åre.
– I still haven’t managed to digest last season. It was unreal. When I realized that I was the fastest of everyone in the second race, I thought “wait, I was faster than Shiffrin, that’s crazy”.
Personal starting point
Last year’s achievements were enough for a third place in the European Cup and a place in the Swedish World Cup team. Öhlund thus has a personal starting place for all slalom competitions in the World Cup this season.
– It means a lot. You get peace of mind that things don’t have to go super well all the time. I have my place and that makes me safe.
The move up to the World Cup team means that Öhlund is part of the same training group as the Swedish stars Sara Hector and Anna Swenn-Larsson, something that has meant a lot to the 18-year-old.
– Anna and Sara are such role models, not only in skiing but in everything. They really are stars in everything they do and can give a lot of good tips.
“Completely different stability”
In front of Öhlund lies a season containing both the World Cup and JVM in the French Portes du Soleil.
– A dream scenario would be to establish myself in the top-15 in the World Cup and take a JVM medal.
The slalom season begins in Levi, Finland, on November 19, and Öhlund finds it hard to sit still at the thought of the start of the season.
– Now I just want the season to start. The training has been going great and I’m better than ever. In addition, I have found a completely different stability in riding, she says.
SVT broadcasts the women’s giant slalom in Sölden. 09.50-11.00 on Saturday in SVT1 and Play.