Sprint specialist Anamarija Lampic, with three World Cup medals (an individual sprint bronze, a silver and a bronze in team sprint), will from next season devote herself to biathlon.

- It's my childhood dream.

When I was little, I chose between cross-country skiing and biathlon, she tells SVT Sport.

The decision comes despite the fact that the home World Cup in Planica in Slovenia will take place next season.

But Lampic does not feel there is any time to lose.

- It is now or never.

It is in the last team for me to change, to be able to be good and have a chance for the next Winter Olympics.

My focus is there.

And I have not completely given up on Planica, but a lot is happening in skiing in Slovenia right now and maybe I still got everything I can from there.

Missed the Olympic medal

Lampic took five podium places in the World Cup in cross-country skiing last season and won the season before that the overall sprint cup.

But there was no medal at the Olympics.

- I gave everything I had, I did everything I could but I failed to win an Olympic medal.

That's how it is.

Now I move on and I hope that biathlon gives me new opportunities.

Lampic says that she "starts from scratch" when it comes to shooting, but that she with patience and a lot of practice hopes to be able to get as far as Stina Nilsson.

The Swede has been an inspiration for Lampic, first in cross-country skiing and then in biathlon.

- Stina is my big idol, already from skiing, then followed her all the time.

I really like her, how she competes and how she has developed.

When she changed, I thought "huh ?!", but thought that maybe I should do the same, says Lampic.

- Both Denise (Herrmann) and Stina, they were sprinters like me, so I see that maybe I can also succeed.

Will miss the sprint Swedes

The idea is that Lampic will start the season in the IBU Cup, to hopefully, "if I'm good enough", compete in the World Cup in biathlon towards the end of the season.

- I do not think it will go fast, or be easy, I will have to practice a lot and get better and better.

I have to be patient, but I am very motivated, she says.

Lampic says she still loves cross-country skiing - and will miss parts of competing in just that.

- I will miss fighting with Jonna, Maja, Linn and the others.

They are such a strong team, in my opinion there are no other countries with such a strong team.

It's really fun to watch.