In March 2018, Anna Jönsson Haag ended her elite career.
The merit list included Olympic gold in relay, Olympic silver individually and several World Cup medals.
Now, almost four years later, she is looking forward to putting on the number tag again.
- Before, I only had myself to focus on, now I have a small family that is on the train.
It is a comeback to take on the number tag but in a completely different way, which feels completely right and very fun.
Will go the first five competitions
The 35-year-old drives for the Norwegian long-distance running team Team Kaffebryggeriet with, among others, team manager Vetle Thyli, who also competes in Ski Classics.
The plan is that after the weekend's premiere, also go the first four competitions after the turn of the year.
- It will also be a new challenge to bring the children with you and see how it works.
But I have missed being out with a team, enjoying the Alps and having that challenge that a competition is.
- It feels very fun to do it this way and I am very finished competing to try to reach the championship as I did before.
Now it's more for the experience and just that feeling when you cross the finish line and feel that: “Oh what I have taken today.
God, how good this was ”.
I have that goal picture in front of me, says Jönsson Haag, who has previously ridden some of the races included in Ski Classics.
Rejoice in painting in a team
This weekend's competitions in Orsa are the first time she meets her entire new team and she emphasizes the joy of competing in a team again and the challenge with Ski Classics.
- To be part of a team again feels very fun and it feels a little big to have the honor of being that.
Then I think I have an incredible amount to learn about how to think when driving as a team.
There are two more girls so I think we will learn from each other, but it's what's cool that you drive a little together.
"Do not train near what I did before"
Jönsson Haag is looking forward to this weekend's premiere and admits that once it starts with competitors such as Britta Johansson Norgren, Lina Korsgren and Marit Björgen, both nerves and the "competition horns" will grow.
- I absolutely believe that the competition horns are growing out, but they are probably also a bit similar to the shape I have and the level I am at.
I have promised to be kind to myself and take it for what it is.
I do not train close to what I did before, and do not have that time or do not want it.
But I will take in and enjoy seeing what my body can handle with the conditions I give it today.