Anna Magnusson, 27, had the ultimate success of her career when she won the sprint in Annecy just before Christmas - after being seventh best in the previous 130 races, a feat that delighted far beyond Sweden's borders.
The girl who was never even close to the podium showed that she had a victory in her.
Soon after, she fell ill with covid and is unsure of her form when the World Cup restarts with just a sprint over 7.5 km in Pokljuka, Slovenia, on Thursday.
"Don't know how it works"
- I was quite worried when it was corona, you don't know how it hits and how long it takes to come back, but it has felt good, at least at the lower intensity of the training, says Magnusson to SVT Sport from the shooting range in Pokljuka .
She was sick for a week and has been training for a week.
Only yesterday was she given the first day of rest by national team coach Johannes Lukas.
- I think Johannes was stingy with them, smiles Magnusson, who does not expect any super form.
- I'm still happy to be able to participate even though I've been sick, says Magnusson.
"Have to remind myself that I won"
The time after the victory and the public breakthrough has been a pleasant experience.
- So many people have contacted me, I have received letters and people who have called.
I have to remind myself that I actually won the last sprint.
It's been great fun and given me a different confidence and a new calmness.
I feel at ease with life as a biathlete, says Magnusson.
Right next door, Mona Brorsson, who will make her season debut in the World Cup after a prolonged cold, hears the conversation.
- It's so awesome, the journey she made.
She was an "up and coming" early on, then she went on a rampage and toiled for several seasons.
She has gone under the radar even though we know her capacity, says Brorsson.
Thursday's sprint starts at 14.20 on Thursday and is broadcast on SVT.