The bronze medalist from the Milano Cortina Olympics has never won an individual World Cup race. Now she is revealing big ambitions.

Karoline Offigstad Knotten has an Olympic bronze, two World Championship silvers and six World Cup wins, all in relays. But she has never won an individual World Cup race, and it is almost two years since she was last on a World Cup podium.

Now she is revealing big ambitions.

“I want to take my first individual win. Not just get on the podium, but win,” Knotten tells Azzurro Biathlon during the national team’s ongoing camp in Lavazè.

The 31-year-old is now back on the national team after a season with a private setup, in which she finished 21st overall in the World Cup. From last season, her best individual result is a sixth place.

“I’ve been close several times. It would be fantastic if I had a day where everything clicks. But also to be more consistent through the season,” she says.

Complicated buildup

The buildup to the upcoming season started dramatically and has at times been troubled.

The first part of the preseason was marked by a hospital stay and little training. Just before the May 17 weekend, Knotten was admitted to the hospital after having had stomach pains for a year. It turned out to be a ruptured and infected appendix. But it was not until June that she had surgery.

Knotten is honest that her health has affected her during the buildup.

“I had surgery in June, which made things a bit complicated. I couldn’t train much in May, June and July. But at the end of July and in August I had some good sessions. It has been a bit of a roller coaster,” says Knotten, and continues.

“My body is still a bit… Sometimes I don’t feel as strong as before.”

Also Read: Knotten breaks silence on national team return

Accepted for one reason

There is one single reason Knotten accepted the national team spot in April: the change of coaches. Patrick Oberegger and Sverre Hüber Kaas are now out of the team, and two new coaches are in place.

“I always wanted to come back to the national team, but not until there were new coaches,” Knotten said in connection with the national team’s first camp.

“When Sverre Olsbu Røiseland was hired as the new coach, I knew I wanted to come back.”

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