PHOTO: Bildbyrån
We will see many duels between Frida Karlsson and Therese Johaug.
But the Norwegian has also sent a clear warning to Karlsson.
Now the Swede answers with a perfect answer back to Johaug.
The long-awaited ski season is now in full swing. We have already had two competition weekends of the World Cup and the big talking point so far has been Therese Johaugs comeback.
Johaug is back
The Norwegian has already gone up in two duels against the great rival Frida Karlsson and the skiing stars have each won their race against each other. When the Swede won the premiere race in Raka by far, Johaug was quick to recall what happened almost three years ago.
When Karlsson won several races at the World Cup, but then when it was time for the Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing, the Norwegian completely dominated. But now Frida hits back at the 36-year-old.
– I am another Frida Karlsson now. I’m generally stronger and I ride a different style. Just look at me. I was “thin as a thread”, says the 25-year-old to the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet.
– Now I am stronger and train in a different way. It feels better.
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Karlsson gives answers
Frida Karlsson has never been afraid to enter a psychological battle with Therese Johaug and she has never seen her as unbeatable on the ski slopes.
– I have always seen Therese as a human being. If you don’t think you can beat her, then you’ve already lost, she says in the interview.
It has been a few dramatic years for Karlsson recently, where she alternated an incredible top level with scary collapses. Even though she’s gotten older and smarter, she can’t shake the collapses.
– I can’t get rid of it. Then I had taken away some of my strength. I’m good at taking out the last thing I have left, explains Karlsson to the Norwegian newspaper.
– I don’t want to get rid of it, but I hope it doesn’t happen again. It’s disgusting.
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Frida is being monitored
Therefore, the coaching team of the Swedish national ski team has stepped in to closely monitor Frida’s health. Already during the start of the season, we have seen her stand over several races due to safety reasons.
– I don’t enjoy it at all. I like to control most things myself and follow the daily schedule. At the same time, I am confident with my team. I have worked with them for a long time and trust them completely. Communication is important, she admits in the interview.
– I think it is an advantage that things are going well and that I am physically fit. If it gets worse, I’ll probably stress and take over control myself.
Swedish national team manager Anders Byström see a big difference in Frida Karlsson now and two years ago.
– She has matured a lot in the way she looks at training and competitions. She has a different focus now. She is not too stressed to come back after a few dips. I think she is better at analyzing the big picture. Cross-country skiing is tough. You must constantly balance on the knife edge and be in control. We and her team have to help her with that, says the ski coach to Dagbladet.
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