PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Jonna Sundling has been singled out by Therese Johaug.
Now the Swedish WC gold hero responds to the Norwegian’s words.
– It’s nice that people believe in one, she says to SVT.
She will soon enter a new ski season and new challenges. But this time do Jonna Sundling that as reigning world champion in both sprint and sprint relay.
Johaug’s words
The 27-year-old also has really high expectations for himself ahead of the coming season. Especially after the Norwegian ski queen Therese Johaugs big words in her last competition in March.
Then the giant, who has now put his skis on the shelf, singled out Sundling as the new favorite to win the overall World Cup.
– Jonna is absolutely someone who next season can join and fight for the World Cup ball. She can become a new queen, Johaug said in a statement to SVT.
Jonna’s answer
Now the Swedish skiing star responds to the outburst from the former rival in the tracks.
– It’s nice that people believe in you. However, it takes a lot from one to perhaps win an overall World Cup or even get on the podium. But both sprint and distance are something that you need for the overall World Cup. I want to be good at both and have gotten better at distance, says Sundling in a new interview with SVT.
For the new season, the International Ski Federation, Fis, has made a major change in the rules and the points system. Where the 50 best riders will now get points instead of 30 as it was before.
“Irritation”
In addition, the top 5 will now receive 100, 95, 90, 85 and 80 points compared to 100, 80, 60, 50 and 45 points as it was last year. But there is nothing that directly affects Sundling in her preparations.
– Since I want to compete a lot and compete both sprint and distance, I don’t feel any irritation about that particular change, Sundling tells the TV channel about the big change.
The change is because Fis wants to see the riders compete in more competitions and not opt out of certain races. But Sundling will still do it this coming winter because a new WC awaits and the Swede has two golds to defend.
– It’s not completely nailed down which competitions I will and won’t go to, it depends a little on how the form is. But the Tour de Ski is a little doubtful that I will go with the championship in mind, she says in the interview.
How do you think it will go for Jonna Sundling this year? Share the article and have your say!
READ MORE: Marit Björgen’s sudden appeal to Frida Karlsson – after the new venture: “She still has a lot to learn”