Anja Pärson was actually supposed to be in the Master of Masters already last year, but was stopped by an injury.
But this year, she is one of eight former sports stars to claim the prestigious victory.
42-year-old Pärson, who ended her career in 2012, says that she has been asked to participate in the program since then.
"No excuse was found"
- I've probably been asked the question every year and even just before I was about to quit. But I've always said I won't do it until after ten years. Micke Leijnegard (host) has been nagging and said that 'this season it would have been so nice if you were there'. But I have stood my ground and since when it was ten years there was no excuse, says Pärson.
Pärson says that she set the ten-year limit as she thinks that the program has given her the most when athletes who ended their careers much earlier have participated.
- Looking back at old memories and remembering. Then, for my part, I think that the ten-year perspective feels interesting. To see if I get into the mental side and perform at a high level.
Lundqvist a "physical monster"
Do I sense a slight criticism of choosing participants who have just finished?
- No absolutely not. You can jump on whenever you want. But for me, the most interesting thing is to see what I can do after ten years. Then of course it's an extra challenge when you have a Joel Lundqvist who has just finished who stands there as a big physical monster.
The master of masters premieres on SVT February 4.