Calle Halfvarsson is a supporter of the King of Sweden. Now the skier is aiming for success on a surprising journey.
the king of Sweden Kaarle Kustaa, 76, is known as an avid skiing fan. He has been seen on the spot in several prestigious competitions of the sport.
Royal encouragement is hardly seen in Planica’s World Cup matches, as Kaarle Kustaa had a carefully planned heart operation on Monday. Information about the operation confused the Swedish skier Calle Halfvarssonia.
– What operation? Heart surgery. Oh my, Halfvarsson responded to a question about the topic.
– I like the king. I hope everything went well.
Hovi has informed that the heart surgery was successful. The king is in the hospital for a few days.
The king will therefore be watching the World Cup, which started on Wednesday, from his sick bed.
– We might raise his heart rate. I hope he watches the race in peace, Halfvarsson grins.
A surprise bet
Calle Halfvarsson wants success now in the sprint. PASI LEISMA
Halfvarsson starts his World Championship career on Thursday with a traditional sprint.
The Swedish star has competed in sprints before, but this time the man known from normal trips has decided to focus on sprints in value races. Halfvarsson has skied to the sprint final three times this season.
– I have improved in the sprint and got podium places. This is a great chance for a podium or even a medal. I can take the medal if all goes well.
The sprint has not always gone so well. Before this season, Halfvarsson’s previous World Cup sprint podium place was from 2018.
– When the sprint went badly, I didn’t think very positively about the competition format. Now I have raised my level. At the same time, thoughts are more positive than before.
The goal of the World Cup relay medalist is to ski as many trips as possible in Planica. To the surprise of many, he is about to miss the 15-kilometer free race.
Halfvarsson has two top ten finishes from that trip last season, but this winter the trip has not been skied in the World Cup. Free skiing doesn’t taste good either.
– 15 kilometers is currently my weakest distance.
The king of Sweden is in hospital. PDO
Swedish men also ski sprint Edvin Anger, Marcus Grate and Johan Häggström. None of the crowd is among the early favorites, but Anger has the potential to shine.
The Swede, who is only 20 years old, has skied to the sprint finals of the World Cup four times this season.
– Edvin is a super promising, powerful and big skier. He can still go far, Halfvarsson praises.