During this weekend's World Cup competition, Sebastian Samuelsson both took second place as the last man in the relay, and took home the victory in the hunt start before the Norwegian Johannes Thingnes Bö.
- I have been very happy and tried to enjoy as much as possible, he says to SVT Sport.
Afterwards, Samuelsson's full focus has been on recovery and the days have mostly consisted of good food, proper sleep and calm workouts.
"Shouldn't have happened that much"
But the rest will be short-lived, because already on Friday the follow-up World Cup competition starts in Hochifilzen, Austria.
And with that, he brings with him newfound confidence.
- I feel confident that I keep a much higher level than last year, I have definitely taken a step.
And if I was in very good shape three or four days ago, it should not have happened that much, he says.
"It means a lot to self-confidence"
In Kontiolahti, Samuelsson was stable in shooting but had above all impressive speed in the track, which took him past Thingnes Bö.
- Johannes is without a doubt the world's best biathlete and the high level he keeps even is difficult to match.
But it's still fun to see that I can challenge him in individual races, and even beat him.
Of course, it means a lot to self-confidence.
And he intends to take the speed with him to the upcoming sprint.
- It is a slightly special shooting range here with an uphill slope, so you breathe significantly more than in Kontiolahti.
It will be a challenge but I look forward to it.