In January 2021, Tilda Johansson finished in 59th place in the distance race in Antholtz, her World Cup debut.

On Thursday, a new World Cup competition awaits at high altitude in Antholtz for the Swedish biathlon talent.

- My debut was extremely tough and I feel more prepared now.

And it will be a lot of fun to run a sprint and hopefully also a chase start, says Johansson.

Tough season behind him

The 23-year-old has, among other things, taken two podium places in the IBU Cup (the level below the World Cup) this season, but the previous season was significantly tougher.

Johansson was forced to back off in his training and investment after pushing too hard.

The Swede was exhausted both physically and mentally and was forced to give up competitions.

- It was very tough for me but also useful and a lot went wrong.

I learned a lot and see it as a season that has brought me to where I am today.

I have become much stronger and more confident in myself.

"I would never have turned down the WC"

Why has it come off this winter?

- I have worked a lot on finding the balance between skiing and shooting.

And then I think continuity got me here.

I have been healthy all summer and autumn and was able to train according to my plan.

Johansson's big goal is the EC, which will be decided in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, between January 25 and 29.

But should she be asked to go to the WC, she will not say no.

- No, no, if I were offered a WC place, I would absolutely take it.

I would never turn down the WC.

But it's not something I have in mind, she says.

SEE MORE: Mona Brorsson on the World Cup chances (January 18, 2022)

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Mona Brorsson.

Photo: Bildbyrån