Photo: Bildbyrån
The fact that William Poromaa broke Sunday’s race in Davos despite fighting for a podium place shocked many.
In the neighboring country, the Swede was harshly targeted.
– It’s too bad. He is the Swedish team’s biggest star and then you have to pull together even if the going is tough, says Niklas Dyrhaug who is an expert on Norwegian Viaplay.
Despite his young age is William Poromaa23, one of Sweden’s most experienced and well-qualified cross-country skiers on the men’s side. He made his debut in the World Cup as an 18-year-old, in 2019. Since then, there have been four podium places in the World Cup – as well as a surprising WC bronze in the five-mile in Planica 2023.
William Poromaa broke the race in Davos
On Sunday, Poromaa was close to taking another podium place in the World Cup. He did well in the 20-kilometer race in Davos, Switzerland, and was in fourth place after 7 km. Then it got slower and slower for the Swede, who dropped to twelfth place after 11 km. Suddenly he disappeared from the competition. It turned out that he broke the race.
– At first I can keep the speed I want – but when it starts to get heavier, it’s like the body just dies, he says afterwards.
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The behavior surprised many, both people at home on the TV sofas and those who watched the competitions on site. Viaplay’s expert Johan Olssonformer Olympic gold medalist, gives his take on the matter.
– I was surprised. I think that all of us who do this sport try to follow the motto “Giving up is not an option” – unless things have gone completely to hell and you’ve lost your skis or something similar. It is quite important from a mental perspective to continue to meat even if things are going badly. To show that I’m not stepping down even if it hurts, he says in the broadcast.
William Poromaa receives criticism in Norway
His behavior is now also questioned in Norway. The former national team star Niklas Dyrhaugnow an expert in Norwegian Viaplay, is critical of the 23-year-old’s way of handling adversity.
– Everyone can have a blast here in Davos. But I believe that one should still fight and reach the goal. It is too bad to do this, he says and continues:
– It’s too bad. He is the Swedish team’s biggest star and then you have to pull together even if the going gets tough.
READ MORE: Alvar Myhlback’s cocky outburst about William Poromaa
Next weekend there are no World Cup competitions. Instead, the Tour de Ski awaits in Italian Toblach from December 28 to January 1. A few days later, the tour moves on to the classic Val di Fiemme. The regular World Cup gets under way again in Les Rousses, France, on January 17-19. Long-distance WC in Trondheim is February 27 to March 9 next year.
Come on William! You just have to keep fighting. Don’t let this get you down. Keep working and training hard and it will turn around for you. Hi!
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