I made it!

After two long days of travel, I’ve finally arrived in Östersund, Sweden! This town is absolutely beautiful, and the race venue is incredible.

My body was definitely feeling the travel, and on top of that, I’ve been slightly under the weather the past few days. To give myself the best shot at feeling 100% for the first races on the 27th, I’ve taken a couple of recovery days to adjust to the European time zone and get back to full strength.

That said, it’s also important to get outside and enjoy the fresh air! I’ve gone on a few exploration runs and have loved getting to know the area. Östersund means “East Sound,” as it sits on the eastern shore of Sweden’s fifth-largest lake. One of the coolest places I’ve discovered is Vinterparken (Winter Park), where there’s a 44-kilometer ice-skating track and a lakeside relaxation area. Locals gather there just to sit and soak up the sun, such a simple but perfect way to enjoy winter!

Another highlight has been meeting new friends from all over the world. I feel incredibly lucky to have this opportunity, not just to race, but to learn about different cultures and share this experience with such an amazing group of people.

Östersund is home to Sweden’s only World Cup biathlon venue, and it’s famous for both its athletes and its challenging range. Racing here is a dream come true. I’ve spent some time exploring the course and getting a feel for the range’s famously tricky wind conditions. Right now, my main focus is rest and recovery so I’m ready to go for the 12.5k individual! The youth races take place the day before, and I can’t wait to cheer them on.

And of course, I couldn’t visit Sweden without trying some of its world-famous candy! More updates to come soon!