A month ago, Frida Karlsson returned a call to Lidingöloppet because of an injury in a retina. But now, with just under a month left for the Swedish premiere in Gällivare, she is pleased to note:
- Now it feels good. I'm nervous in the body and excited to start tamping in the ski track. I feel strong and start to get that kind of competition.
In just one year, the 20-year-old has gone from unknown outside skiing to one of Sweden's hottest athletes. A life she enjoys.
- I have put myself in a situation that I deserve. I have traveled so well that I should have pressure - I have earned it. I see it as positive that people believe in one.
"Thats a pity"She is currently at national team camp in Val Senales in northern Italy and is preparing for her first full season as a senior. One who, however, will not be among the competitors this winter is Nathalie von Siebenthal.
The Swiss, with a fourth place at the World Cup and two sixth places at the Olympic Games as the main championship merit, announced last week that her career is over.
The 26-year-old explained that the motivation was over, the joy blown away and that "both head and body had given up".
- It's always boring when skiers leave. I had no closer contact with her, but she was a good rider so it was a shame, Frida Karlsson notes.
"No excuse"Although Frida Karlsson got to experience what it is like to take a back seat to the Norwegian sovereign Johaug last winter - not least when she made a brave attempt in Seefeld and took the World Cup silver twelve seconds after Johaug at ten kilometers classic - she does not recognize in what von Siebanthal and her coach expressed.
- I don't think that's an excuse. Everyone goes to develop and go as fast as you can. It does not matter if you are called Nathalie, Therese or Frida. Everyone strives to go as soon as possible. It is no excuse to blame someone else, she says.