Biathlon: Linn Gestblom returns to the World Cup after 682 days

Linn Gestblom made her return to the Biathlon World Cup in Östersund after 682 days away from the circuit. Competing in the mixed relay, she was a bright spot for Sweden, missing only one shot—her 10th—and using a single spare round on her leg.

Jesper Nelin started strongly on the range but then faltered, serving a penalty loop before handing over to Martin Ponsiluoma, who took two penalty loops in the fourth shooting. Despite those setbacks, Gestblom kept her composure on the range, drawing praise from SVT expert Björn Ferry, who called it “a good shooting performance.”

Gestblom herself told SVT Sport she was very pleased overall, though annoyed at needing one spare: “I’m really happy with the whole race.” She added that she can now relax a bit after the comeback.

She will not compete further in Östersund, choosing instead to continue rehabilitation for sore shoulders. In SVT’s Vinterstudion, expert Mona Brorsson suggested Gestblom could even come into consideration for the Olympics if her form and health progress.

Hanna Öberg skied the anchor leg for Sweden, starting in 10th place more than two minutes behind France, and lifted the team to seventh at the finish.