The Swedish biathlon season opener is approaching, but in recent weeks, a new injury has disrupted Linn Gestblom’s buildup.

Gestblom made her comeback during the Swedish Roller Ski Biathlon Championships in Lima this August. Last season, the athlete from Värmland didn’t compete at all due to two shoulder surgeries.

With just a week and a half to go before the Swedish season premiere, another shoulder-related issue has appeared. This time, it’s the right shoulder that’s causing problems, and Gestblom hasn’t been present at the national team camp in Idre Fjäll.

“Overall, I’d say the status is quite good. I’ve had some pain in my right shoulder — the other one — so I’ve had to rest it and do some rehab. Now I’ve started to ease back into skating and put more and more load on it,” Linn Gestblom told Langd.se, two weeks before the premiere.

Also Read: World Cup winner to compete at Swedish biathlon season opener in Idre Fjäll

How long has this affected your training?

“It’s been a while since the test race in October — a few weeks. It’s not ideal, but you must make the best of the situation. I’ve still been able to skate now and train with both poles.”

Do you think you’ll be on the start line for the season opener?

“That’s my goal. It depends on how things go, but if it continues as it has lately, I hope I’ll make it there — and hopefully get in a few intensity sessions before then.”

High level in the Swedish national team

Since Linn Gestblom last competed in the World Cup in March 2024, competition on the women’s side has become even tougher. Several Swedish athletes made significant strides forward last season — including Ella Halvarsson, Anna-Karin Heijdenberg, and Sara Andersson.

“There are quite a few new names that have appeared recently, and many performed really well last season and took steps forward.”

What do you think about the level within the national team?

“It was already high before, but it’s definitely high now as well. It’s fantastic to see so many athletes step up and perform at a really high level. For the sport, that’s only positive. Of course, it also makes it tougher for all of us to qualify for championships.”

She continues:

“It will be the four athletes who perform the best that get to start. We’ll see who they are — I have to hope and do everything I can to be one of them.”

What are your goals for this season?

“First of all, to start competing normally again. I want to race World Cups and be among those fighting for an Olympic spot. If I make it there, I want to perform well,” she concludes.

Linn Gestblom is listed among the registered athletes for next weekend’s season opener. HERE you can find the complete list of entries.

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