Last year's World Cup season was prematurely interrupted due to the corona pandemic.
And before the new season started, Charlotte Kalla suffered from covid-19.
But now she is healthy, and finally ready for the World Cup comeback.
- It feels good!
I have really longed to start the competition season for real.
Even though I have "premiered" in Östersund twice, it still feels special, she tells SVT Sport.
In what way does it feel special?
- It's the end of January, and I still have not jumped in the national team uniform.
So it has been a special year and a special season in many ways.
The desire to compete is great.
Unsure of the shape
Cold sneak started with two competitions in Östersund in early January, which gave two victories.
Despite this, she is unsure of where she stands.
- It is a bit difficult to know how the body should react to the tough paths.
It is first and foremost about getting a good race, where I feel that I can stand the distance.
So I hope to get a good feeling in both classic and skate, she says, and adds:
- But I look forward to throwing myself into the track.
Given how different it is around how the body reacts after covid, how uncertain are you about your physical status?
- I still feel that I am taking steps forward every week.
How fast I get back to top form is hard to say.
I have to accept the current situation, and take with me that the more weeks it takes after illness will make me better.