PHOTO: Bildbyrån
The venture into biathlon was not a success.
Now Stina Nilsson is back as a cross-country skier – and expectations are high for her ahead of her debut in Ski Classics.
– I see her as one of my biggest competitors, says Norwegian star Emilie Fleten.
The Swedish skiing star Stina Nilsson has won both Olympic gold and WC gold in cross-country skiing. She then switched to biathlon, where she managed to win a European Championship bronze.
Nilsson makes his debut
Now the 31-year-old changes track again and becomes a long-distance skier in Ski Classics, in the team Team Ragde Charge.
Emilie Fletenreigning champion of the long-distance tour, thinks that Nilsson’s entry on the tour is good both for the sport and for herself.
– I think it will be very good to have Stina in Ski Classics. We get a new very strong girl at the competitions. I think it’s good for me too, then I feel like I have to improve all my skills, says Fleten and continues:
– I know Stina well and I know her strengths. I see her as one of my biggest competitors. It will be a lot of fun to compete against her.
READ MORE: Stina Nilsson’s farewell to biathlon is the best thing that could happen
Also David Nilssonfounder and CEO of Ski Classics, sees Stina Nilsson’s investment in the long-distance tour positively.
– It’s a big name. It is very funny that she sees the challenge in the long run. Stina is a very special athlete. There are not many like her, says David Nilsson.
Notice about Stina
He emphasizes that it normally takes several seasons before skaters with Stina Nilsson’s background can change and make an impression in the competition in long races.
– But I am sure that Stina will do many good competitions and that she will reach podium places during this winter.
READ MORE: Anders Blomquist’s honest words about Stina Nilsson before the debut
Magnar Dalenteam manager for Team Ragde Charge, tells us that Nilsson suffered several minor injuries during the pre-season.
– She has had pain in her hands and back. But we are very used to getting that at the beginning. It has been intense trying to get her not to train too hard, so that the injuries do not develop into long-term injuries, says Dalen and adds that Stina Nilsson has been on the edge at times.
– We don’t know – and Stina doesn’t know – what she can do at competitions. Therefore, it will be very exciting to see what level she can show this weekend.
Ski Classic’s first round will be decided in Bad Gastein, Austria, this weekend.
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Facts: Stina Nilsson
Born: 24 June 1993 in Malung.
Living: Malung, with his partner.
Main merits: Five Olympic medals in cross-country skiing, including Olympic gold in 2018 in the sprint.
Seven WC medals in cross-country skiing, including two WC golds in 2019 in the sprint relay and relay.
European Championship bronze in biathlon 2023 in mixed relay.
Ski Classics 2024-25:
Bad Gastein, December 14-15
3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, January 11
La Venosta, January 12
Engadin La Diagonela, 18 January
Marcialonga, January 26
Jizerská50, February 9
Grönklitt, 15-16 February
Vasaloppet, 2 March
Birkebeinerrennet, 15 March
Marcialonga, March 22
Reistadløpet, 29 March
Summit 2 Senja, March 30
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