Kowalczyk: – I’m afraid of being destroyed – Dagbladet.no

(Dagbladet): Justyna Kowalczyk has had a disappointing season and is no longer the world’s best skier.

A knee injury has made it very painful for the Polish star to skate. Therefore she was very relieved when she decided not to go several skating races this season.

Now prioritize 32-year old differently. Therefore debuts she Vasaloppet Sunday morning.

In the world cup never goes women longer than 30 kilometers, but in Vasaloppet must Kowalczyk go three times as far as verdenscupsirkusets “marathon distance.”

It will be a totally new exercise and a whole new challenge for the all-time best Polish cross country skier.

– I am not afraid of such a long distance and konkurransetid. I’ve had about as long sessions before and know that I am strong. But I am unsure tactics and unsure what tempo I should start, says Kowalczyk to the Polish website sport.pl.

She admits that she is afraid of something other than distance. The fear was reinforced when SVT reported chaos in the starting area due to a ever so slight heat wave.

Fear of being destroyed

It is spoken about so muddy conditions that start area more reminiscent sea than on a winter landscape. Moreover, 54 starting slots reduced to 27.

– I’m afraid my back. I’m afraid of being destroyed. I must watch out for. I must find the best way to maneuver me through the large amount of participants. It will be a challenge, says 32-year-old.

She knows namely that she believed best woman going to go along with a host master runners.

– It can just be positive and negative. But I’m ready, she says.

Refocusing career

Vibeke Skofterud managed the transition from regular World of Vasaloppet when she won the classic sovereign in 2012. Then she sat besides new course record in the women’s category with 4.08 , 24.

– I do not focus on the result. I have no idea what I can expect. There are many good runners, and I want to challenge the said Kowalczyk.

– This is breaking a barrier for me. At the same time I take part in a big festival. I’ve come to a new stage in his career. First it was about to reach the top. Then came it to stay on top. Now I live out dreams, she says.

Kowalczyk realizes she may need to focus on other areas in the coming years.

– My cross country adventure is not over yet but I must find my focus areas. This is an exciting challenge, so we’ll see if it fits me good or bad and if my body is good for it.