After a preseason marked by illness and missed training camps, Hanna Öberg is ready for the Swedish season premiere at Idre Fjäll. Ahead of the new season, she feels greater confidence in her shooting.

The biathlon season kicks off at Idre Fjäll on Saturday. Due to the current snow conditions, the program has been adjusted, and two sprints are now scheduled. Hanna Öberg is one of Sweden’s most experienced athletes in the strong women’s team, now aiming for the Milano-Cortina Olympics.

Also Read: Swedish biathlon season opener goes ahead in Idre Fjäll – despite lack of snow

Missed training camps

When ProXCskiing.com’s sister site, Langd.se, speaks with Hanna Öberg, she is at Idre Fjäll, preparing for the season’s opening event. The camp in Idre is one of the few national team gatherings she has been able to complete this preseason.

“I’ve missed a few camps with the team earlier in the preseason. Finally, I get to train with the group again. It feels great. It’s also an important period to get a good start on the snow,” she says, adding:

“I haven’t had a completely perfect preseason otherwise, with some illnesses. That has caused me to miss a few camps. That’s why it feels really good to be here now and get this done.”

Due to the illnesses that disrupted her preparation, Öberg doesn’t expect to be in top form for the premiere races already.

“I might not expect to be at my very best for the season opener. But we still have time before the World Cup starts, and I feel comfortable with that.”

Not being able to follow the original training plan can be stressful, but Hanna’s extensive experience at the elite level has helped her handle it.

“Of course, you make a plan for a reason, and it’s always tough when you can’t stick to it and have to adjust. But I’ve been around for a few years now and gained some experience.”

‘Clear keys’

What have you focused on during the preseason?

“In shooting, Jean-Marc and I have done a really good job together. I’ve found several clear keys to increase my confidence in the range. I feel more secure when I come onto the mat and can adjust more quickly and clearly,” she explains, continuing:

“If I do something poorly, I now have clear keys for how to get back to shooting well again.”

Tough competition

Hanna Öberg is one of the biathletes who already secured an Olympic spot, along with Martin Ponsiluoma, Sebastian Samuelsson, and her younger sister Elvira Öberg. However, the competition within the women’s team is fierce, and an Olympic spot does not guarantee a starting position.

“It’s a really good situation that we have such strong competition for spots and that so many women are performing well. Considering that my preseason hasn’t been perfect, it’s a bit of a relief to already have my Olympic ticket. But I know it’s not a guarantee to compete — six women will be selected, and only four will start in each race,” she says in conclusion.

The season opens at Idre Fjäll on Saturday. HERE you can find the full program and broadcast times.

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