Seven Swedish ladies have been selected for the WC.
On the men’s side: Three pieces.
Quite right, says Calle Halfvarsson.
– If you haven’t performed, then…
When the Swedish national skiing team on Tuesday released the first squad for the World Ski Championships in Planica, which will take place in February, i.e. in just two months, there were two things that stood out. Partly that seven ladies were taken out – but not Linn Svahn. The last place is therefore supposed to go to her, but she has not yet competed in the World Cup, following her extensive shoulder injury.
Calle’s honest words
Svahn needs more time, and thus the place is kept open. And speaking of open places… In the men’s squad, only a paltry three names are ready for the WC. Calle Halfvarsson, William Poromaa and Edvin Anger are the only Swedish men who secured their place. The season has been weak so far for other Swedish men’s skaters, and the national team is clearly not satisfied.
However, Calle Halfvarsson thinks that the decision is correct.
– I think it is absolutely right. There are three of us who have had high placements and I think it is wrong to take out a large squad right away, better to keep at it. It is clear that it will be difficult for some. But if you haven’t performed…it was the same for me last year, then you kept at it until after the Tour de Ski, he says to SVT.
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“Many are disappointed”
At the same time, Calle Halfvarsson cannot do anything but direct some criticism at his teammates.
– Yes, there are many who are disappointed as it has been right now. We haven’t got the results we wanted in the team, but there are a few of us who have been up there, but we could have been significantly more. They are some who have not reached the goals yet
Even the SVT expert Anders Blomquist is disappointed with how the season developed for the Swedish men – and this WC selection is another sign of that.
– I had hoped that more young people would have taken another step this season and skaters like Jens Burman and Oskar Svensson had hoped to ride at a higher level. It will be a tough challenge for them, but it is important for the Swedish team that a few more established skaters are there to fight for medals.
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