In 2015, she stood in the sea of spectators in Falun. Now the World Championships are returning – and double Olympic champion Frida Karlsson has one goal. She wants to put on a show.

Frida Karlsson was 15 years old when she stood in the sea of spectators during the World Championships in Falun in 2015.

“I can’t help but think back to that moment sometimes. It planted a seed in me.”

At that time, she hadn’t yet decided to pursue skiing. She hadn’t started high school and was involved in several different sports.

She ran and played both soccer and handball.

“There were a lot of balls in the air.”

However, when she entered the ski high school, she decided to give skiing a chance, and now it’s her turn to compete in a World Championship in Falun.

How significant is a home World Championship for you?

“It’s huge. I envision a powerful atmosphere, and I hope to put on a show.”

She also hopes to carry the same confidence she found before the Olympics in Milan Cortina.

“I feel secure in the plan I’ve laid out over the past few years. I hope the same great feeling will be present as it was before the Olympics.

With her two individual Olympic gold medals from Milan Cortina, an individual gold in the World Championship 30km in Trondheim, and a victory in the Tour de Ski, the 27-year-old from Sollefteå has already won nearly everything there is to win as a cross-country skier, except for an overall World Cup title.

But a home World Championship in Falun carries more weight.

“It means more when it’s on home soil, and there are thousands of Swedes in the audience to share the experience with. It can create a completely different feeling.”

Honorary citizen of Val di Fiemme

Earlier this week, she was named an honorary citizen of Val di Fiemme. A delegation from Italy traveled to Sweden in connection with the Swedish Ski Federation’s season kickoff and awarded her the honor. Her successes in northern Italy have left a deep impact on the ski resort.

“It felt a bit weird, but of course, it was fun, says Frida Karlsson,” continuing.

“I love Val di Fiemme. So I think I’m a good ambassador.”

Also Read: Frida Karlsson named honorary citizen of Val di Fiemme

30km race fits like a glove

In Falun, it’s about the overall performance, but Frida Karlsson admits that getting off to a good start is crucial.

“If I do well in the opening distance, it will create a wave to ride on.”

The 30km race is her main goal. She has a World Championship gold from Trondheim to defend.

“I love the long races. It feels like the 30km suits me like a glove, but I don’t want to pigeonhole myself into a distance category. I want to be a skier and compete in everything.”

What are your thoughts on the rest of the season with the Tour de Ski and the World Cup?

“I’m not focusing as much on that this winter. A home World Championship is the absolute biggest event I can participate in.”

You’ve also been seen in other contexts over the past year, including a major fashion gala. Is it important to step away from skiing sometimes?

“Skiing is a very big part of my life. But I enjoy guest appearances in other worlds and meeting different people. Above all, it’s about having fun. I’m a person too, not just a skier.”

Fairy tale ending in Sollefteå?

What happens after the season is still uncertain. However, she highlights the home World Championships and the Swedish Championships finale in Sollefteå, where she grew up, as a possible fairy tale ending to her career.

“It could definitely be that, for sure. But we’ll see. I’ll renegotiate with myself after the season.”

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