When Stina Nilsson caught a cold, Ella Halvarsson had the opportunity to debut in the World Cup, in the distance race at home in Östersund.
Only the day before the race did she receive notification of the start. Then she had only 1.5 days earlier come home from Canada where she competed in the IBU Cup.
The 23-year-old finished 33rd after just one miss. She was the best of all Swedes on the shooting range.
— On the mound it felt great, it felt easy to shoot today. And to be able to stand out here and have the audience with you, that has highlighted me. The distance is not my favorite distance and there are very tough courses here. At the same time, I had no pressure on me either, but could just go out and do my thing as well as I can, she says.
Both the national team leader and the other skaters were impressed by her performance.
— The distance in Östersund is the World Cup’s absolute toughest and most difficult course and competition. It is truly awe-inspiring what she is doing today, says Mona Brorsson.
— She is doing really well, focused on herself the whole way. It’s a tough race and she can be satisfied. I hope she gets a motivational boost, says national team coach Johannes Lukas.