Stina Nilsson had a nightmare start at the EC.
But she doesn’t dig herself – even though Friday’s competition could be even tougher.
– It might not suit me best, she says.
After a weak autumn and winter, Stina Nilsson was kicked from the squad that had to go to the WC in Oberhof. Stina Nilsson instead got the chance in the EC, and there was a premiere for the Swede on Wednesday. And it almost couldn’t have gone any worse.
“It motivates me”
Stina Nilsson started the distance race well and her riding time was among the best in the field. Before the last shooting, she had a good hold on a real top position – but then came the crash. There were four misses for the star, and she crashed in the results list. At the finish, she was 47th(!), more than five minutes behind the winner. Lead heavy, but Nilsson does not allow himself to be buried.
Nilsson was critical of her effort, but now, ahead of Friday’s sprint, she believes that it is motivating to get everything right.
– Elite sports are complex. Biathlon too. There are many parts that must work with skiing, ski selection, shooting, the dam and so on. And I think problem solving is motivating. It’s about many pieces that need to be put together, but what triggers me is the feeling and the “wow” I feel when I’ve done a good race, says Nilsson to langd.se.
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Honest verdict
The sprint in particular may not be Nilsson’s favorite distance, but she says she is grateful just to be at the European Championships.
– The distance is not what suits me and my shooting percentage best. I want to continue in the way that I do in training and look forward to this whole competition week during the EC. I am very grateful that this championship is here for us who do not go to the WC, says Nilsson.
And Nilsson still thinks that it is perfectly reasonable that she got to go to the EC rather than the WC.
– Four girls have been on the podium, then they will go to the WC. I was on the podium once last season, but also had many competitions where I was not on the podium. I also know what that fifth place into the team had meant; it’s a very important feature even if you don’t know if you’ll be able to go. And I was in Beijing for three weeks during the Olympics without going so I’ve tried it. As said; for me it is very big to go to the EC, says Nilsson.
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