The secret lives of biathlon stars

The Biathlon World Cup is in full swing and as long-time avid supporters of Team Sweden Biathlon , Fristads is keeping close tabs on the events. So, when we had the opportunity to catch up with three of Sweden’s brightest shining biathlon stars during a recent practice, we didn’t waste any time. If you’ve ever wondered what Hanna Öberg prefers to do first thing after a race, whether Sebastian Samuelsson is superstitious, and what Stina Nilsson would’ve done for a job if she hadn’t been a professional athlete, here’s your chance to find out!

The Biathlon World Cup is in full swing and as long-time avid supporters of Team Sweden Boathlon, Fristads is keeping close tabs on the events. So, when we had the opportunity to catch up with three of Sweden’s brightest shining biathlon stars during a recent practice, we didn’t waste any time. If you’ve ever wondered what Hanna Öberg prefers to do first thing after a race, whether Sebastian Samuelsson is superstitious, and what Stina Nilsson would’ve done for a job if she hadn’t been a professional athlete, here’s your chance to find out!

Stina Nilsson

Sebastian Samuelsson

Hanna Öberg

Do you have any particular rituals that you just have to do before you hit the track?

Sebastian – I’ve done everything in my power to avoid relying on superstitiosus acts because there’s so much that can go wrong. But I refuse to compete in long underwear because I think it’s way too bulky. It doesn’t matter whether it’s negative 15 degrees or 15 degrees plus, I always wear the same thing on my legs.

Hanna – I’ve realised that I can’t compete in braids. At my first World Cup in Östersund, I had braids and shot a 3-3 during the sprint. I can practice in braids, but I’ll never have braids during competition again.

What do you do after a race to wind down?

Hanna – I like going out for a run. Running clears my legs and my head, and it allows me to be alone. And I drink chocolate milk to recharge on nutritions.

Stina – I also like being alone and contemplate for a while. In a way, the time after you get back to the hotel room is really important because that’s when you collect yourself and evaluate everything. If you’re happy about the race, you want to hang on to that feeling for a while and if it didn’t go well you can reflect over that and analyse the race, so that you can move on.

If you hadn’t become professional biathletes, what would you have done for a job?

Hanna – I think I would’ve finished my studies and maybe become a civil engineer.

Sebastian – I would’ve been like Harvey Specter in Suits, worked with law, finance or something like that.

Stina – I would’ve worked at a doggie daycare. That would’ve been the perfect fit for me!

What do you prefer to do when you have time off?

Sebastian – Hang out with friends. And next summer I promised myself I’m going to take the golf more seriously.

Hanna – Rest days are sacred; then I don’t do a whole lot. But normally I like being out in nature, maybe up in the mountains.

Stina – Same for me. If I only have one day off, it’s all about resting. Otherwise, I like fixing and organising things around my house.

Lastly – and in all honesty – who’s the sorest loser of the three of you?

Hanna and Sebastian – Stina!

Stina – I know, I always get to hear that I’m a sore loser, but I don’t think that’s true!

The secret lives of biathlon stars

Do you have any particular rituals that you just have to do before you hit the track?

What do you do after a race to wind down?

If you hadn’t become professional biathletes, what would you have done for a job?

What do you prefer to do when you have time off?

Lastly – and in all honesty – who’s the sorest loser of the three of you?

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