During the weekend, William Poromaa claimed his first World Cup victory in the French Les Rousses. With sharp skis and strong confidence in his abilities, he challenged the world elite in the 20-kilometer mass start. Now, he shares some of his tricks and what being a lone wolf is like.

Also Read: Poromaa wins mass start at Les Rousses World Cup

Wille, or “The Savior” as he was once called by the media and internally within the national team, secured his best position of the season on Friday, finishing fifth in the 10-kilometer freestyle race. The nickname “The Savior” was initially coined by Calle Halfvarsson early in Poromaa’s career.

Now, William talks about the preparation for the season that led to his first World Cup victory in his career.

William Poromaa Victory – A Lone Wolf Who Follows His Own Path

A clear part of Poromaa’s success formula is his independence. Since his youth, he has preferred to train alone, a habit he continues in Sundsvall.

“I’ve always been a lone wolf. When I lived in Fränsta, I trained a lot by myself and continued doing so during high school”, explains Poromaa and continues:

“I enjoy training alone. That’s just how it is”, he states.

Poromaa sees it as a strength to be able to focus on his development.

Do you feel like you’re following your own path?

“Yes, exactly, that’s how it is”, says Poromaa.

Training in Sundsvall, Just Like Kalla

Despite places like Falun and Östersund being popular among other national team skiers, Poromaa has chosen to live and train in Sundsvall. He describes the city as an ideal training location, both practically and personally.

“For me, it’s incredibly good. There’s Södra Berget with all the opportunities to ski the longer tracks and the roller ski track”, explains “Wille.”

“I can get everything I need in Sundsvall”, he says.

Proximity to family, friends, and support resources like physiotherapists and mental coaches has also played a significant role in his decision.

“I feel very comfortable in Sundsvall. It’s a good everyday life there, and I can train under really good conditions”, explains William.

However, Poromaa is not the only star who has chosen Sundsvall as a training base. One of Sweden’s greatest athletes did the same: Charlotte Kalla.

“It’s not a bad training location if Charlotte Kalla has lived there”, he laughs. “That’s a solid foundation at least”.

Focus on the Finish

Poromaa finished third in the 50km race in Planica, beaten in the sprint by Pål Golberg and Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. Ahead of this year’s championships in Trondheim, Poromaa has focused more on the finish and final stretch. One of his key sessions has taken place in somewhat unexpected terrain.

“We have a ditch in Sundsvall where I do plyometric jumps, similar to skating jumps. In the gym, I try to build more strength in both my legs and upper body, which I hope will help me”, reveals William Poromaa.

And it seems the training is already paying off.

Read More: Four Swedish Skiers Confirmed for Trondheim 2025

Everything but the Sprint

On February 27, the skiing world will turn its attention to Trondheim when the World Championships kick off with the sprint event. For Poromaa, it’s one of the few distances he doesn’t want to compete in.

“It’s pretty much all the distances, the relay, and yes… the sprint relay too. I think the classic style on that course would suit me quite well”, says Poromaa.

So, everything but the sprint?

“Yes, pretty much”, he concludes with a laugh.

The full interview with William Poromaa can be seen on SC Play.