To understand what Frida Karlsson is talking about, you have to know about video games. Bowser is Mario’s nemesis in Nintendo’s Super Mario.
Her physical therapist played the game’s signature tune on the piano the night before. That seems to have made her tick.
You also have to understand how Frida Karlsson started this ski season. She wrote a passionate speech on Instagram about getting back into the game, relying more on gut feeling when training and relying less on various training apps.
Before the Olympic Games, she spoke of competitions as a game and of the Olympics as “the final boss of the game”.
– I am so proud of the journey to date. It’s probably the first time that I feel like it’s just fun to go out and compete. That I wasn’t afraid or anything like that, I just felt that I had a longing, she says.
To win the skiathlon race (10 kilometers classic, followed by 10 kilometers freestyle) was easier than she thought. She immediately picked up top speed and, together with Ebba Andersson, Jonna Sundling and the Norwegian Astri Øyre Slind, formed a top quartet when less than 5 of 20 kilometers had been covered.
– I actually honestly thought that it would be difficult to do something in the classical part.
She says the group that formed was like a dream scenario.
– I felt very safe there with Ebba. We talked all the time and just grew and pushed each other through the people who dropped out. So in the end it felt like we were now at Hallsta (the local mountain in Sollefteå) and we were, so to speak, training.
– Ebba and I said: “Oh, now Astri is releasing!” and “Oh, now she’s letting go!”
She looks at her medalwhich is apparently difficult because she jokes that she’s going to get a neck brace.
– It feels magical, it’s beautiful.
The day she had – “a day when everything clicked” – doesn’t come too many in a career, she believes.
– I really feel like I’m losing technique and kind of relaxed. And that as the race progresses I just grow and grow.
The fact that she was able to share the joy with silver medalist Ebba Andersson after the finish was an added bonus.
– Great fun! Therefore the roles were changed several times. So it’s really cool that we can spend these occasions together, so to speak.
Some who can breathe out After the gold comes Frida Karlsson’s family. Big sister Fanny and father Leif were there at the ski arena in Tesero and were able to share in the excitement. Mamma Mia is still in Sweden and missed Frida’s gold race because she saw her little sister Hannah competing in the Swedish Cup.
Mia and Frida chatted a little on the big screen after the race. The Swedish gold medalist laughs as she jokes about her reaction: “Seriously! What should I do to get your attention?”
– Both the little sister and the big sister said: “Great, now I can breathe out because you are happy.” I don’t think I’m that tough (unless it went well). Maybe the first few hours, but then I just get hungry for the next few.
Now she too is hungry for her next race at the Olympics, the 10 kilometer freestyle with an individual start. Much wants more.
– For me it’s mostly about just surfing that wave. I can only feel a lot of good things about it and I’m just as excited about the competition on Thursday
Read more:
Johan Esk: The division in the team is the explanation for Sweden’s success
Frida Karlsson outclassed everyone in the first Olympic race – silver went to Ebba Andersson
The national coach’s pass to Tre Kronor: “I hope he sends signals”
