Johanna Skotthim has only ridden two World Cup races this season, but thanks to a good start to last season, she is still in the conversation about the two empty Olympic places that exist in Beijing.
- Of course there is a lot of talk and speculation.
For me, it is very difficult to say, especially since I have known that I will not be able to compete as much and show what I can.
It really is the knife against the throat, or almost the knife through the throat.
It is very tough competition, she says to SVT Sport and continues:
- But to stand and think about whether I can go to the Olympics or not does not benefit my performance.
By doing good races, maybe I can get into the talk of an Olympic venue.
The 27-year-old was pleased with his own efforts in the singles mixed relay.
- I give myself approval.
I think I'm doing well.
I take that with me and then I continue working.
The team will be selected after the World Cup competitions in Ruhpolding on 16 January.
National team coach Johannes Lukas does not want to speculate at the moment.
- I do not think so much about the Olympics right now.
We have important competitions ahead of us and then we make a selection.
The Olympics are still several weeks away and we will focus on making good competitions now, he says.
The expert Helena Ekholm knows Skottheim who says that it is 'the knife through the throat':
- I think it's so awful when she says that.
Then you understand the pressure she feels.
You have few chances before the competition, it is not easy to bear that pressure and stress.
Especially she who has struggled with her health and has not been able to do herself justice.
Skottheim fights mainly with Stina Nilsson and Mona Brorsson for the last Olympic places.