Calle Halfvarsson is sure that he will be in great shape in time for the Olympics – if he gets there.
Sunday’s World Cup race, 10 kilometer classic in Oberhof, will be the last chance to silence the doubters.
– There will always be naysayers, people who think they know more when they’re sitting at home on the couch, says the long-distance veteran.
Halfvarsson has had bad seasons in the past. But the question is whether this winter won’t take its toll.
– It’s just been stress all the way through. There has been no harmony right away, says the 36-year-old on the phone from Oberhof.
– The whole autumn was pulverized by diseases. I came into the season completely untrained.
He is in Germany to compete in Sunday’s distance race, 10 kilometers classic style. It will be Calle Halfvarsson’s first World Cup competition of the season.
And at the same time the last chance to reach an Olympic place.
Weak results
After an unsuccessful Swedish premiere in November, he fell ill again and when he was able to compete again – first in the Scandinavian Cup in Finland and now most recently in the Swedish Cup in Falun – the results have mostly been weak. The exception was the second place in just 10 kilometers classic in Falun last week.
That effort was enough to convince the national team management to give him one last opportunity to prove he deserves a ticket to the Olympics in Italy, where the cross-country events are decided in Val di Fiemme.
– I need to take another really good step towards Falun. Preferably one like the one I took from Finland to Falun, maybe even more than that. Then maybe I don’t think I need to win the race, I’m probably not quite there. It would be absolutely insane if I could manage to win with the background I have. But a top position would be nice, says Calle Halfvarsson.
It would also be a shame for good form if he doesn’t manage to make it to the Olympic Games.
– I’m pretty sure I’ll be in great shape in three weeks. But then I might be at home in Falun and not selected for the Olympics, and that would be a shame.
“Little humor”
He is a skater that many have opinions about, he is well aware of that. Although he mostly gets to know it through second-hand information.
– Yes, haha. I hear from friends and family, it’s more the ones who take offense and get irritated. But I told them not to worry. Everyone can think what they want, it’s a free country. And there will always be such besserwissers, those who think they know more when they are sitting at home on the sofa. It’s still a bit of humor, but I don’t care, says Halfvarsson.
The career will hopefully continue for at least one more season, even if there will be no Olympics. Already next year, the WC at Halfvarsson’s backyard, in Falun.
– If I don’t qualify for the Olympics, I will decide quite quickly whether I will run another season. I want to do it, but need to check that it is possible with family and sponsors. But then I will start my investment against Falun more or less already.
