The Swedish national biathlon team held test races in Östersund over the weekend. In Saturday’s sprint competition, Sebastian Samuelsson and Ella Halvarsson claimed victory.

As autumn gradually turns into winter and with the first ski tracks in Sweden set to open within a week, the Swedish biathlon national team gathered in Östersund for an internal sprint test. Several top athletes showed solid form — notably Ella Halvarsson, who delivered a convincing performance.

In the women’s race, the 25-year-old was utterly dominant, finishing more than half a minute ahead of Johanna Skottheim, who placed second. Emma Nilsson, who is not part of any national team group, took third place. All three athletes had the same shooting results.

Top 3 Women:

1. Ella Halvarsson – (0-1)
2. Johanna Skottheim – (0-1)
3. Emma Nilsson – (1-0)

Battle between the stars

In the men’s race, Sebastian Samuelsson and Martin Ponsiluoma fought a close duel for victory, but Samuelsson ultimately proved the strongest. Both recorded the same shooting results. Jesper Nelin finished third after clean shooting.

Top 3 Men:

1. Sebastian Samuelsson – (0-1)
2. Martin Ponsiluoma – (1-0)
3. Jesper Nelin – (0-0)

Today, the athletes will compete in a pursuit race based on today’s sprint results, meaning Halvarsson and Samuelsson will start first.

“With strong winds, the conditions provided great training for our biathletes ahead of the winter season,” the national team wrote on social media.

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