She has been the big highlight in Swedish biathlon this season. Today, Ella Halvarsson makes her World Championships debut and shares her feelings ahead of today’s sprint.

Ella Halvarsson has made a big breakthrough this season. After an individual podium finish and several top placements in the World Cup, she was rewarded with a spot at the World Championships in Lenzerheide. This afternoon, she will make her World Championship debut in the sprint.

“It’s not like I see myself as a candidate for the podium every race or anything like that. But I do know… I know that if I have a really good day and shoot really well, I could make it to the podium. But everything has to fall into place. There is a possibility. But I don’t really have any specific result goals,” said Ella Halvarsson at a press conference a week ago according to Langd.se.

Also Read: Biathlon World Championships Guide: 7.5km Sprint for women in Lenzerheide

Fought for several years
For several years, Ella has competed in the IBU Cup. Last year, she earned an individual podium finish and several top placements. When Mona Brorsson retired and Linn Persson was still injured, she got the chance in the Swedish national team.

Has it been obvious for you to keep fighting?

“Yes, it has been for me. I think it’s because I’ve improved a bit every year. And I’ve gotten better, but maybe haven’t made a huge leap until this year. But it’s still really motivating when you feel like you’re getting closer.”

Even though Ella is currently in 12th place in the overall World Cup standings, she wants to keep expectations low. But she is excited to make her World Championships debut.

“I’m looking forward to it. At the same time, you want it to go well. I’ve been around the top 15 in the World Cup quite a lot. If I can be around that in the World Championship, I would be really happy. It’s hard to set exact goals, but I want to perform well and then we’ll see how far that takes me.”

Read More: Biathlon World Championships 2025: Complete program for Lenzerheide

Hopes for the relay
Halvarsson has already secured a spot in the mass start at the World Championships thanks to being in the top 15 of the overall World Cup.

“It’s really crazy, and it’s so much fun. Just something like that, being guaranteed a start at the World Championships. It’s not easy to make it to a mass start, so I’m really proud of that,” she explains.

What are you most looking forward to during the World Championships?

“I think the women’s relay. It would be awesome if I get to race in that. I’m hoping for a pursuit start, as that’s, as mentioned, one of my favorites,” she concludes.

This afternoon, the World Championships continue with the women’s sprint. Ella will race with bib number 66.

The complete start list can be found HERE

FACTS Lenzerheide Biathlon World Championships Season 2024/2025

• When: Wednesday, February 12 to Sunday, February 23, 2025 
• Who: Elite national biathletes – women and men
• Where: Lenzerheide, Switzerland
• What: IBU World Championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland

PROGRAM

Wednesday, February 12: Mixed Relay (W+M) (More details can be found HERE)

• 14:30 CET: Mixed Relay, Women+Men

Friday, February 14: 7.5km Sprint W (More details can be found HERE)

• 15:05 CET: 7.5km Sprint, Women

Saturday, February 15: 10km Sprint M (More details can be found HERE)

• 15:05 CET: 10km Sprint, Men

Sunday, February 16: 10km Pursuit W and 12.5km Pursuit M (More details can be found HERE)

• 12:05 CET: 10km Pursuit, Women
• 15:05 CET: 12.5km Pursuit, Men

Tuesday, February 18: 15km Individual W (More details can be found HERE)

• 15:05 CET: 15km Individual, Women

Wednesday, February 19: 20km Individual M (More details can be found HERE)

• 15:05 CET: 20km Individual, Men

Thursday, February 20: Single Mixed Relay (W+M) (More details can be found HERE)

• 16:05 CET: Single Mixed Relay, Woman+Man

Saturday, February 22: 4x6km Relay W and 4×7.5km Relay M (More details can be found HERE)

• 12:05 CET: 4x6km Relay, Women
• 15:05 CET: 4×7.5km Relay, Men

Sunday, February 23: 12.5km Mass Start W and 15km Mass Start M (More details can be found HERE)

• 13:45 CET: 12.5km Mass Start, Women
• 16:05 CET: 15km Mass Start, Men

After the World Championships in Lenzerheide (Switzerland), the biathlon World Cup heads to Nove Mesto Na Morave (Czech Republic) and Pokljuka (Slovenia). Then, the 2024/2025 World Cup season ends in Oslo (Norway).

Also Read: Biathlon World Cup and World Championships: Calendar for the 2024/2025 winter season

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