This winter, Jonna Sundling, Sweden, can look back on several fantastic achievements. A season that began with a hand injury in November became something that neither Sundling nor anyone else could have predicted.

What she showed at the sprint in Falun last weekend is something we have not seen from any skier in the sprint context before. 

After the Olympic success, it has only continued for Jonna Sundling. Both in the distance and on the sprint. With her performance in recent weeks and Therese Johaug out of the game, she will be a favorite to take home the overall World Cup next winter.

Last weekend in Falun, Sundling did a fantastic distance race and finished second. But what was astonishing was Friday’s sprint and Sunday’s sprint relay. 

The superiority Sundling showed there was not seen in sprints before. Being the fastest in a prologue with over eight seconds and winning a final with over eight seconds is enormous. Then the mixed team sprint where Sundling went away from the other rivals and paved the way for teammate Calle Halfvarsson and a definitive Swedish victory.

Jonna, have you had time to understand what happened last weekend in Falun?

“Yes, I’m understanding all now, how well it went in the end. I knew I was in good shape for the distance after Lahti and Holmenkollen. I got that third place on the 30km in Holmenkollen, which gave me confidence for last weekend. At the same time, it wasn’t easy to know where I stood. A lot can happen in just one week after such a recent tough period with competitions that I have had. It was fun that the form was there,” says Sundling.

What have you been doing in the last few days?

“I have just taken it easy since I came home to Östersund. I have not trained at all.”

Can you describe the feeling when you noticed that you were superior in the sprint and the team sprint? When you notice that no one has a chance at all to follow?

“It feels very nice to be so strong. You can have such good control in the race and ski exactly as you want. It’s hard to describe that feeling, but it’s just a light feeling in the body. That was probably a bit at the Olympics, but anything can happen in a sprint.”

“Since I have also been vigilant since I received my yellow card and did not want to be too close to others to avoid trouble. But there was nothing I needed to worry about when I was in such good shape in Falun. It was nice to go fast, and I enjoyed it because it is not every day it feels so good that you can go away from the field and ski your own race on a sprint,” states Sundling.

What do you say about the new formats that were tested in Falun with mixed relay and mixed team sprint?

“I absolutely think you should try to add mix competitions in the future. Because I think it’s an entertaining setup. You have seen the biathletes, and it seems to have been a success there. Then exactly what the structure should be at the competitions must be discussed. Now we have only tested it, so we may have to race a few more times so you can evaluate and reflect. In any case, I am very excited to ski it again.”

What was the feeling about Calle success in Falun?

“It has been a while since he managed to reach the podium. His distance race on Saturday was incredibly cool. I’m happy for him. Then it was nice to ski with him on Sunday. It must have been special for him to win at home. He says he loves Falun.”

If we talk a little more about your development as a distance skier this winter. Are you surprised that you have reached this high level?

“To be completely honest, I am. It was nothing I had seen in front of me. It is clear that I wanted to take steps there, but my focus was on the sprint for this winter. I have previously worked towards both distance and sprint, but since I had a great medal chance at the Olympic sprint, there was more focus towards it, but I also know that that training has developed me a bit at distance. However, I did not think I would take this step this year. It was amusing, a fun surprise indeed. In the future, I will be even more delighted to ski distance races,” says Sundling.

If we are already looking forward to the following winter. Then we no longer have Therese Johaug in the match. It is a question mark whether there will be any Russian skiers taking part in the World Cup competitions. The Swedish women’s team looks to be able to dominate even more, where we will hopefully also see Linn Svahn back.

It looks very promising for the Swedish team. What can you say?

“Yes, we are still a strong women’s team, but you never know, there may be a new Therese Johaug. Namely, it should be fun to prepare for next season. I am already looking forward to the World Cup in Planica 2023.”

What do you think about training, since you skied so well on all distances even though the training had more sprint focus?

“I think the training basis will be the same, but several details will differ if you want to think a little more distance. But obviously, the training I did work. I have found my way to get ahead, and I have gotten to know my body even better. It is essential in a sport like this to know what is good for you and what your boundaries are.”

Even though the World Cup season ended a week earlier than planned, as the original World Cup final in Russia was canceled, there are still competitions. Not least during the Swedish Championships week, which Sundling’s club Piteå elite arranged.

Could you recharge your energy for the Swedish Championship week?

“I think it will be great fun to compete in Piteå, my home ground. I am looking forward to that. It will be good now with a week at home in Östersund and chill a bit after this season,” Sundling concludes.