Tilda Johansson's Journey to Rediscover Joy in Biathlon Ahead of World Cup Preparation

Seven months ago, Tilda Johansson feared she might never compete in biathlon again. Fast forward to today, and she is gearing up for the Roller-Ski Biathlon World Championships, with her eyes set on the World Cup this winter.

"Right now, it’s all about joy. I want to do this for myself because I truly love it," Johansson shared with SVT Sport. Back in January, she put her biathlon career on hold indefinitely due to a lack of joy and the overwhelming burden of performance anxiety. Since then, she's been focusing on her recovery and reigniting her passion for the sport.

"There's so much emphasis on results and rankings. People often ask, ‘How’s your form?’ It’s easy to overlook that this sport is something I adore and find incredibly fun," Johansson explained. During her time off, she took on a teaching role at the biathlon high school in Sollefteå, which significantly contributed to her comeback. Additionally, she sought support from a sports psychologist and leaned on her loved ones for encouragement.

At the National Championships in roller-ski biathlon, Johansson secured a bronze medal in the distance race, even while battling tonsillitis and taking antibiotics. She wasn't even certain she should compete.

"Honestly, on Saturday morning before the event, I contemplated saying, ‘No, let’s just go home.’" But she decided to compete, and now she is ready to join the national team for the upcoming World Championships.

"Of course, I want to do well—that's always the goal. But I think it will be easier now that I’ve been open about my struggles," she noted. Her achievement at the national championships has fueled her motivation to continue in the sport. As she prepares to join the national team for the championships, Johansson plans to maintain her individual training approach, prioritizing personal growth and fulfillment.

"I feel very secure and calm about this. I am in a great place now and confident that I’ve found a method that works for me," Johansson stated with assurance.