She retired from her elite skiing career last spring. But has returned, and this weekend, Anna Dyvik will start at Marcialonga for the Italian Pro Team, Team Robinson Trentino.

This weekend marks the first Grand Classics race of the season, the Italian classic Marcialonga.

Among those participating in the race is the former Swedish World Cup and Championship skier Anna Dyvik. In 2014, she won gold at the Junior World Championships, and she has also competed in two Olympics and one World Championships.

Last spring, due to back problems, she decided to finish her elite skiing career. However, she will now be competing at Marcialonga.

“My initial plan was to participate in the race with some friends just because it’s so beautiful there. And to enjoy some wine and good food. But it quickly turned into a desire to ski for a team and perform well. Over the past two months, I have trained a lot. I have probably never done this much double poling in my entire life. It’s still enjoyable to compete, even though I’m not at the same level as before. I want to challenge myself,” Dyvik told Expressen.

Dyvik already competed in one Ski Classics race last season, where she finished 33rd at Vasaloppet.

She will be skiing for the Italian Pro Team, Team Robinson Trentino, which also includes her partner, Gustav Eriksson. Eriksson has started in all the Ski Classics events this season, with his best result being 17th place in the first long-distance race of the winter in Bad Gastein.

And for Dyvik, there might be more races this winter:

“I’m not closing any doors. If things go well in Marcialonga, I can consider participating in more races. I’m interested in competing in the long-distance races in Orsa later this winter,” Dyvik added to Expressen.