A few days before the start of the Biathlon World Cup in Östersund (from November 29th), the Swedes also announced their official squad. Five women and six men are sent to the home game – there are actually twelve starting places. The last ticket should only be allocated at short notice.
The Swedish Biathlon Association is looking forward to the first highlight of the winter: nine competitions will take place in Östersund within eight days, and of course the hosts want to make a first statement. A powerful team is now being sent into the race, although a starting place for the women is still open.
The top stars Elvira and Hanna Öberg as well as individual vice world champion Ella Halvarsson, Anna Magnusson and comebacker Linn Gestblom have secured their place. She is returning to the World Cup squad for the first time after a long injury break.
“We are in a somewhat special situation with women,” says German national team coach Johannes Lukas. Since the team doesn’t have to travel, the “strongest squad” can be put together at short notice: “We had cases of illness in the team and therefore want to wait and see how training develops before we decide who will be nominated for the individual competitions.”
A debutant in the Sweden squad
Only after team training in Östersund will it be decided who will move up to the women’s team. The choices are Anna-Karin Heijdenberg, Johanna Skottheim and Sara Andersson.
For the men, they decided on a mix of experienced World Cup athletes and fresh talent. Melker Nordgren makes his debut at the highest biathlon level. “It will be really fun to take part in the World Cup. And the fact that it is taking place on home soil makes it even more special,” said the ski hunter.
The team is led by Sebastian Samuelsson and Martin Ponsiluoma, with Jesper Nelin, Malte Stefansson and Viktor Brandt taking the other places.