The Swedish biathlon team is training at high altitude in Font Romeu, France, ahead of the upcoming winter season. Linn Gestblom is participating, but is undergoing alternative training.
My rehab is going well. I'm in a phase where it's a lot about, as it has been for a while, building up strength and endurance. I have sufficient mobility. But it's about becoming strong and enduring so that I can do what I'm supposed to do, says the 30-year-old.
Gestblom has had problems with injuries in recent years. After the 2022-2023 season, she underwent surgery on both her shoulder and hip. Last season, she ended early, after the World Championship in Nove Mesto, to operate on her shoulder. Since then, she has had to focus on rehab.
It's a bit difficult to say when I'll compete again. But of course, I hope and believe that I'll be able to compete this winter, says she.
"Should be pain-free and stable"
She admits that she's starting to get used to several years of injury problems where she hasn't been able to train properly.
It's clear that I'm looking forward to the day when I can train unhindered, says she and adds:
If that day comes. There's always something, and the older you get too... But being able to train without having to adapt too much is what I'm looking forward to.
What are your hopes for the season?
That when I do compete, it will work well. I want it to be what I had the operation for. That it should be pain-free and stable and that my shoulder should function as a shoulder should function. Then it's of course very difficult to talk about results at the moment.
Persson has become Gestblom
She has also gotten married and changed her last name from Persson to Gestblom during the summer.
It was the best day of my life, says she.
How is it to present yourself with your new last name?
It's going so-so... Both for me and others, I think. It's a learning period. But it'll be okay. I'm trying to say it right and write it right, anyway, Gestblom laughs.
