Biathlon: Linn Gestblom’s dream comeback – third in Swedish season opener

Linn Gestblom returned to a biathlon race on snow for the first time in 635 days and produced an immediate success, finishing third in the Swedish season-opening competition in Idre.

The 31‑year‑old had dealt with significant shoulder issues during the 2023/24 season and subsequently underwent operations on both shoulders. Those injuries have limited her since, but her comeback delivered a clear statement.

Gestblom hit all her targets in both the prone and standing shootings and closed strongly on the final lap. At the finish she was 40 seconds behind winner Hanna Öberg and just six seconds behind Elvira Öberg in second place.

“It feels so incredibly nice,” Gestblom said. “It’s great to put together a good race. It means I can lower my shoulders. It’s not that far off — I can be in the fight.” She added that the shoulder did not bother her during the race.

Despite the encouraging performance, Gestblom said she would not start in Sunday’s sprint. Her result also placed her ahead of Italy’s Lisa Vittozzi, fourth on the day and the overall World Cup winner two seasons ago.