On Saturday, Therese Johaug will make her entrance at the World Ski Championships in Oberstdorf in the ladies' 15-kilometer skiathlon, 7.5 kilometers in classic style and 7.5 kilometers in freestyle.
During the World Championships in Seefeld two years ago, Johaug won all three distances she competed in individually.
At the press conference in Germany the day before the competition, Johaug was asked about her favorite team and about the Swedish sprint star Linn Svahn missing a medal at the World Cup premiere distance on Thursday.
- It's not just about coming to the championship and collecting medals and collecting gold.
First and foremost, an incredible job must be put in.
It is not a given that those who are favorites win, there are many competitors and many who want to go fast, says Therese Johaug.
The 32-year-old superstar sees another Swede as her biggest competitor in the three distances where she will defend her gold from Seefeld.
Does not exclude Karlsson
- Based on my competitions, I probably think that Ebba is the strongest.
She has shown very good form in recent races, she took both a podium place in Falun (World Cup) and went fast (won) at the Swedish Championships.
I think she will be very strong both tomorrow (skiathlon), at 10 kilometers (free) and the three miles.
However, she does not rule out Frida Karlsson, who made a big impact in Austria two years ago.
Karlsson was then the best Swede behind Johaug in all three individual distance races: fifth (skiathlon), second (10 kilometers classic) and third (three miles).
- Frida has developed recently after being a bit down in Falun.
She can definitely go fast and find her way back to the championship form from Seefeld.
She is also one of the big favorites, says Johaug.