Just a few weeks ago, Calle Halfvarsson\u2019s Olympic dreams looked to be over.
But a strong performance in the World Cup this past weekend earned him a ticket to the Olympics.
\u2014 I will be ready for every opportunity I get at the Olympics, says the 36-year-old from S\u00e5gmyra, Falun.<\/p>\n
The German town of Oberhof has become a crucial place in Calle Halfvarsson\u2019s long skiing career. In December 2013, he claimed his first-ever World Cup victory there. And on Sunday, it was once again in Oberhof that Halfvarsson delivered his by far best race of the season. A sixth-place finish in the 10-kilometre classic World Cup race secured his place at the Olympic Games in Val di Fiemme.
\u2014 I\u2019ve lost five weeks of training due to illness. The races in Oberhof really were my last chance to earn an Olympic spot. I\u2019m happy and grateful that my body has responded so well, Halfvarsson said at a press conference after securing his Olympic berth.<\/p>\n
Are you surprised by how much progress you\u2019ve made in recent weeks?
\u2014 I know I respond quite quickly to training, so I understood that if I could just get consistency, I would be able to take further steps. Now it\u2019s about continuing to train in the coming weeks to build an even stronger foundation heading into the Olympics. I want to arrive at the championships with a good feeling and be ready for every opportunity I get, says Halfvarsson, who has now been selected for his fourth Olympic Games.<\/p>\n
Fourth place in the team sprint at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics remains Halfvarsson\u2019s best Olympic result.<\/p>\n
Championships in Val di Fiemme are nothing new for Halfvarsson. He made his World Championship debut there in 2013, where his biggest success was a silver medal in the relay. Since then, he has competed in all six World Championships held, and the plan is to continue his career with the goal of experiencing a second World Championships on home soil at Lugnet next winter.
\u2014 It would be really cool to experience another World Championships at home in Falun, says Halfvarsson, who will already have the chance to face the world elite at the end of February on the tracks where he spends so many training hours.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s when World Cup competitions and pre-World Championships events take place. During the intense competition weekend of February 28 to March 1, the programme for the cross-country skiers includes a freestyle sprint and a skiathlon.
\u2014 It\u2019s always great fun to compete at Lugnet. I really like those courses. They suit me well, says Halfvarsson.<\/p>\n