PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Stina Nilsson had enough of biathlon.
And hung the rifle up on the shelf for good.
It was the best thing that could happen to the Swedish national team.
This is a comment. The opinions are the writer’s own.
She was the world’s best sprinter and won both Olympic and World Cup gold. Then there were four painful years as a biathlete Stina Nilsson.
Stina Nilsson’s farewell
The switch from cross-country skiing to biathlon was far too big of an adjustment for the Swede and there was far too much attention directed at her. Stina endured many harsh words and her achievements were seen in both Sweden and Norway.
It actually hurt to see how she was treated, finally she also had enough and gave up the dream of biathlon. Now Nilsson has shifted focus again and this winter it is the long run that applies to the 31-year-old.
READ MORE: Clear words to Stina Nilsson ahead of her debut in the new sport of long distance running
A perfectly smart decision that will benefit Stina Nilsson enormously during the last years of her career. But it will also benefit the Swedish national biathlon team.
Best for the national team
For this season, both Stina and Mona Brorsson that ended, when even Linn Gestblom threw in the towel due to injury, a large void was left in the blue and yellow national team. The head coach John Luke was forced into a real generational change and what an incredible success it turned out to be.
READ MORE: The shock: Tove Alexandersson could switch sports with Stina Nilsson
25-year-olds Ella Halvarsson has had an incredible breakthrough at the World Cup and is truly beaming with confidence. 21-year-olds Sarah Andersson is still a junior but has stepped into his very first season at the World Cup and exceeded all expectations.
Also Anna-Karin Heijdenberg has shown that she belongs at the highest level and takes on more and more with each competition. Three skaters who previously had to stand aside and mostly competed at the IBU Cup now get their well-deserved chances.
That is why Stina Nilsson’s farewell to the sport has been so incredibly good – for all parties.
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