During Tuesday, Linn Svahn, who has not competed since February 2021 due to her shoulder injury, announced that she is standing over the competitions in Bruksvallarna and the VC premiere in Ruka in November.
Something that makes her form into the competition season more difficult to assess.
- It is really difficult.
We haven't seen her compete in a very long time.
Then we know what enormous capacity and winning spirit Linn Svahn has and we would like to have that back in the Swedish outfit, says Anders Byström.
Selection criteria with exceptions
It is he, as national team manager, in consultation with national team coaches, who decides which skaters will be selected for the World Cup and WC squad.
In the selection criteria that have been developed for the coming season, it is stated, among other things, that results from the World Cup are valued the most.
But it also says that there are exceptions:
"In some cases, an assessment can be made based on the development curve of individual riders, e.g. (...) riders who are on their way back from injury/illness may be prioritized."
- She will get to compete (in the World Cup) if she does any competition before, so to speak, says Byström.
"Important to be involved from the start"
He is also looking towards the WC in Planica, which starts on February 21 next year.
- If you read our selection criteria, you will see that it is an important period before Christmas, because we will select part of the World Cup squad already after Davos (17-18 Dec) and then the next turn after France (27-29 Jan).
- So there are definitely chances after Christmas.
But it is important to be involved from the start to be able to show that you have the capacity.