In an exclusive interview, the Swedish traditional cross-country skiing star Ebba Andersson opens up about the mental and physical challenges of the past season, handling media pressure, and her life as a new homeowner.

Ebba Andersson (27) wrapped up her previous season at the World Cup in Falun, finishing 8th in the 10km classic and 18th in the 20km freestyle mass start. Now, just over a week from the Swedish season premiere in Bruksvallarna, Andersson looks back on last season. 

“Most of the season was quite demanding for me. When the season ended, there was some uncertainty about where I stood physically,” Andersson shares and continues: 

“It often didn’t go smoothly. I had to take a period to settle down mentally and physically. Once everything was in place, it was all about maintaining a good training balance,” the Swedish star says to ProXCskiing.com’s sister site Langd.se.

Rebuilding Mentally 

According to Andersson, the mental aspect of the performance was her biggest struggle last season, requiring months of recovery and finding a training balance. 

“It probably took a couple of months. Of course, the physical side needed time, but it was mostly in my head that things needed repair—or at least took the longest time. It’s quite scary when you don’t recognize your own body. That’s when the mental side suffers.”

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Media Pressure 

Meeting Andersson during the national team’s media days, she is cheerful but shows signs of stress. 

“I’ve been going since 8 a.m. with my first task here. It’s demanding but still a rest day. The body gets to rest, but mentally, you’re on high alert on a day like this,” Andersson says and adds: 

“I try not to overthink what’s coming next and just take it step by step. I’ve made room for this in my training plan.” 

The sporting expectations for Andersson this season are high, especially with the World Championships in Trondheim and Therese Johaug’s return. There’s also media demand for interviews. 

“I’ve gained much experience in knowing how much I can handle. When I’m in good balance, I manage it well. But when I’m not mentally there, it becomes stressful,” she explains, adding: 

“But it can also be stressful to opt out of things. Then you start questioning yourself: should I have? Those are the tough moments to handle.”

“Not Just Eat, Train, Sleep” 

Originally from Delsbo, Andersson was one of this year’s summer radio hosts in Sweden. During her program, she spoke openly about her family and her father, Per-Ola Andersson, who is also her coach. Alongside this, she released a book in April this year. 

“I’ve reached a point where I feel I need things outside skiing. It shouldn’t just be eating, training, sleeping. To keep my focus, it’s been important to step out of the skiing bubble now and then and do other things.”

Ebba and Gustaf: New Homeowners 

Andersson is in a relationship with skier Gustaf Berglund. Earlier this fall, the couple moved into their new house together. “Now Gustaf doesn’t have to live out of a suitcase,” Andersson tells Expressen. 

“It feels great and long-awaited. It’s a milestone in life,” Andersson says and adds: 

“It’s a bigger responsibility than just having an apartment. Plus, buying a house is such a huge decision. It wasn’t easy, but we managed, and it feels very good.” 

“We moved in recently. Ideally, I’d like to stay home every day and check things off the list. But there are other things on the agenda, too,” she concludes.

Read More – Swedish national team stars reveal: They’re moving in together

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