Photo: Bildbyrån
The fact that Kristine Stavå’s Skistad misses the start of the season due to stomach surgery should really make all Swedes rejoice.
This means that Linn Svahn and Jonna Sundling are free to shine.
But it doesn’t feel right at all to be happy about the Norwegian’s misfortune.
This is a comment. The opinions are the writer’s own.
The sprint star Kristine Stavå’s Ski City25, has been hastily forced into stomach surgery and must now rest indefinitely. It is a nightmare message for Norway ahead of the World Cup premiere in Ruka, of course. Does that automatically mean it’s good news for us Swedes?
Good news for Svahn and Sundling
I think all people have different answers to that question. It depends a little on what attitude you have towards the joy of harm (which is said to be “the only true joy”). Is it right to be happy that another person is in pain and has to have surgery? Is it really reasonable to smile at the fact that one of Norway’s greatest athletes will miss part of the season?
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When I first read the news, my initial thought was that it is only positive for Sweden and our skiers. It is clear that Jonna Sundling and Lynn Svahn benefit from one of their biggest rivals not starting in Ruka, and will certainly be out for longer than that. It increases their chances of winning. Everything should therefore be peace and joy.
But something in me suddenly started to think that it’s quite sad that Stavås Skistad will miss part of the season opening (the WC in Trondheim is so far away that there shouldn’t be any danger for her). We are missing out on such a big profile.
READ MORE: Kristine Stavå’s Skistad misses the premiere after surgery
Stavås Skistad will be missed
It’s actually more fun when all the best can be in the same race. The conditions for a truly entertaining and sweaty race to the finish look better when the elite stand side by side on the starting line.
Without Kristine Stavå’s Skistad in place, one of the sport’s biggest stars is missing. It makes the opening weekend feel more profileless – especially considering that our own Frida Karlsson also will not compete due to her foot injury.
I also know that both Linn Svahn and Jonna Sundling want as strong an opposition as possible to fight against. It feels better and more satisfying to win then. Victory tastes better and the muscles are more satisfied if they are forced to work hard.
READ MORE: Linn Svahn’s first words about Norwegian rival Kristine Stavå’s Skistad
Therefore, I have suddenly changed my mind on the matter. I can’t really be happy that Stavås Skistad misses the premiere even as the Swedes’ chances of victory increase. Because I see man and his misfortune. Also, I want to see as even a fight as possible. So should all the rest of you.
What was your spontaneous feeling when the news about Kristine Stavås Skistad came? Did you feel happy or sad for her? Feel free to comment on Sportbibeln’s Facebook page. Share and like-mark the column.
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