35-year-old Astrid Öyre Slind is the long-distance star who got the chance to debut in the cross-country World Cup - and really took it.
At first, the idea was just that she would run next weekend's three-mile race.
But when she got the chance in the 15 kilometer skiathlon yesterday, she pounced with a bronze.
After next Saturday's three-mile race, she will fly directly to Sälen with a chartered plane for sponsors to try to defend the title from last year.
- It will be tough.
We'll see if there will be more races in the WC as well.
It reduces the chances of winning the Vasaloppet, which I am eager to defend.
I can't do that if I'm not at the start, so I'll do it regardless, says Öyre Slind.
The chance she got with the WC selection is so high that she is willing to lower her chances in the Vasaloppet.
- It is not an advantage to walk three miles the day before, but if you are in good shape, it can be done.
I have a great desire to try.