Hanna Lundberg also missed the Swedish premiere in Valdemarsvik two weeks ago after a setback during a Norway camp. But for this weekend's World Cup races in Östfold, Norway, the 20-year-old has been selected.
– The status of the injury is upward. It's a tendon that takes some time to heal, but it's under control right now. But there are tough competitions this weekend so I have to take it day by day," she says.
Lundberg had his big break in 2021. She was selected in the A-national team and won her first World Cup victory in Idre. The last year with injuries has been tough.
"You lose your footing a bit"
"If I failed, I was a complete failure as a human being, it sometimes felt like. Then you become very exposed.
In retrospect, she also feels that she learned a lot.
"When we're away at competitions. Everyone is just completely focused on doing their best and winning. You lose a bit of a foothold for what else is happening in the world. So you have to get perspective and land in it: that I am the person Hanna, not just the athlete.
Parallel investment in skiing
Something else that has helped is the parallel investment in snow. Hanna Lundberg competed this winter both at the Swedish Ski Orienteering Championships and made an appearance in Ski Classics at the 12-kilometer race in Orsa Grönklitt (finished 21st).
Is skiing something that can help you stay injury-free?
"I think it's both. I grew up skiing and always carried it with me. Then it takes more miles in your body and even more exercise the older you get. But basically I will always have the skis with me as an alternative form of exercise.
GUIDE: World Cup in orienteering in Norway