Five Burning Questions for Sebastian Samuelsson before Lenzerheide
Sweden’s Sebastian Samuelsson is one of those athletes who rises to the occasion in championships, finding his way to the podium. It is a good possibility that starting with tomorrow’s Lenzerheide Mixed Relay, that is where he will be found once again
Samuelsson started his medal collection when he surprised everyone winning Olympic Pursuit Silver, followed by Relay Gold in Pyeongchang. His medal haul in the last three IBU World Championships includes a Mass Start win in Oberhof 2023 and ten additional medals. This season, the 27-year-old has two individual podiums but hit the podium in six relays and mixed relays.
Last weekend on Sweden’s pre-WCH camp was winding up, Samuelsson answered our Burning Questions about his season, relay success and a sixth about his IBU WCH dream medal.
Biathlonworld: You skied well all season with some of the fastest ski times, have two individual podiums and five near misses (Flower Ceremony); how would you rate your season at this stage?
Sebastian Samuelsson: I think I have been quite consistent this season. I have sixth place in the Total Score now; I am quite happy with that. In the beginning of the season, my shooting was a bit too bad. But since Ruhpolding, my shooting has been much better. In our pre-camp before the World Championships, it has been really good. It has been one of my best seasons. I wish I had some more podiums, but I am sure that if I continue to be consistent, I will get some more.
BW: You had good weeks in both Ruhpolding and Antholz, did that give you a nice confidence boost for Lenzerheide?
SS: I have not raced very good in January for many years. January has been a bad month for me, but this year, I have been consistent. I am happy with that; it gives me a boost going into the Lenzerheide World Championships.
BW: Sweden has been on the podium in every relay and mixed relay this season, what is the magic there? Is it all about “team” that drives that success?
SS: I think we have been very good in relays, fighting to the last guy. Somehow, some of us are performing better in relays. When we race as a team, we fight for each other. We’ve made normal races, not trying to do anything special; everybody doing their best and push to the last person. That has worked well, because in some of the relays, we were quite far behind in the beginning but still managed to find the podium. BW: What is your favorite relay moment from this season and why?
SS: I am very happy with Antholz and my clean shooting but also in Ruhpolding. These are the two relays when I came into the shooting range, shooting for a podium place and did it. That is something I take with me going forward. The Oberhof Mixed Relay was cool because it was my first victory in a mixed relay and the first for Sweden since 2009 or something like that.
BW: Over the years, you have been very successful in Championships, what is the key to being ready for the highlight of the season? Is it as much mental as physical?
SS: I think getting into shape for the World Championships is mainly about finding the right mental state. Of course, you need the physical part, but to get this extra superpower, you need to be there mentally. I really like the big events and think that makes me a little bit better in these events. It is actually when I appreciate biathlon the most.
Biathlonworld Bonus: If you could win just one individual medal (and of course, also defend your relay title), which competition would it be and why?
SS: If I could win one individual medal, I would choose the sprint, because I think it is one of the coolest races we have. It is the first race and then you are directly off to a good start. That would make the whole Championships more fun or easy. I am going for the sprint!
There it is; Sebastian Samuelsson looks like a medal threat once again but especially keep him in focus in the sprint and relays.
Photos: IBU/Archive, Nordic Focus
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