William Poromaa has won medals in the 50km event at two consecutive World Championships. “But it’s hard to say where I stand right now, as I’ve had to train in a completely different way than in previous summers,” says the 25-year-old.

The road to the home World Championships in Falun has not been straightforward for William Poromaa. Last season’s Olympics were disappointing, and this summer he broke his ankle after a fall while roller skiing.

“It’s certainly been a different setup for the season, with much more strength training and Ski Erg than in previous years,” says Poromaa, who had to refrain from both roller skiing and running for a couple of months this summer to allow his ankle to heal properly.

Ski Erg and cycling

The kilometers he would have completed on roller skis and running shoes have been partially replaced with cycling. However, Ski Erg has been his primary training alternative.

“I’ve done a lot of that, but I’ve also been able to cycle some on a stationary bike, and later in the summer, I could even get outside to cycle.”

Two World Championship medals in the 50km

William Poromaa has achieved his greatest international successes in the 50km event. In 2023, he won World Championship bronze in Planica. Two years later, he secured World Championship silver in the same distance in Trondheim.

“It’s hard to say where I stand right now, but I feel that I’ve done a lot of good training. I feel strong in my body.”

The foot injury has healed, and he has been able to start running again, but he still lacks some mobility.

“I feel some pain, and my foot gets tired after a while. But it’s getting better and better.”

The main goal for the season is, of course, the World Championships in Falun, but the injury has somewhat shifted his perspective.

“Of course, I want to be up there competing, and a World Championship at home makes you extra motivated. It feels both exciting and really fun.”

Requires prioritization

However, a championship year requires prioritization, especially considering how the summer has been.

“I plan to compete in everything leading up to the Tour de Ski, and then after that, start focusing more on the World Championships.”

He has also scheduled a three-week altitude training camp before the championships.

“That will make it impossible not to miss some World Cups, but that’s how it goes leading up to a championship.”

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