Biathlon: A-Team Debutante Ella Halvarsson Gets a Chance in World Cup Premiere

Ella Halvarsson, who did not compete at all in the World Cup last winter, is now given the chance to make her debut in the World Cup premier in Kontiolahti, Finland. This opportunity comes after her impressive performance in the Swedish season opener in Idre. "I shoot like a god in prone position," Halvarsson praised herself after securing third place in the sprint event last weekend in Idre.

In front of her in the standings was Anna-Karin Heijdenberg, who took second place, and now both will compete in the World Cup premiere in Finland in just over a week.

For Halvarsson, who competed in the IBU Cup last season, this will be her first entry into the World Cup since March 2023.

“We've observed strong motivation among both our established athletes and the newcomers to the A-team. It will be very exciting to follow our athletes as they compete against the best from other countries,” said head coach Johannes Lukas in a press release.

Anton Ivarsson, despite missing the season opener in Sweden due to complications from an appendectomy, has also been selected. "Rehabilitation has gone well and he has managed to train effectively in recent times. We see that Anton is in an upward form and believe he can perform well in Kontiolahti," Lukas added.

Full Swedish World Cup Team for the Premiere:

Women: Anna Magnusson, Anna-Karin Heijdenberg, Ella Halvarsson, Elvira Öberg, Hanna Öberg, Sara Andersson.

Men: Anton Ivarsson, Jesper Nelin, Malte Stefansson, Martin Ponsiluoma, Sebastian Samuelsson, Viktor Brandt.