I not only have to be at my best for the Nebelhorn Trophy, but for at least 3 other competitions before the European Championships. This is so I can go after the points the Swedish Olympic committee set as a requirement to participate in the Olympic Games. (...) After Oberstdorf I normally would have slowed down somewhat and started getting ready for Euros. But if I do qualify for the Olympics now I can't slow down because I have to show high points at several events. The risk of getting burned out or injured on your way to achieving those points is very real when you go full speed for 6 months. It's really dangerous.
So what exactly are the Swedish Olympic Committee's requirements?
A minimum of 260 points. Before my first Olympic Games the minimum was to place 18th at Worlds.
When did you find out about the points required?
After Worlds in Helsinki. I did ask them a long time ago, but never got an answer. It was extremely hard not knowing. I wanted to know the exact deal and have it in writing, and I finally got it after Worlds. This time it's not about placement, but points achieved at either Challenger, Grand Prix or Euros that count. So I will either get dropped from the Swedish committee's program already after the Nebelhorn Trophy or after Euros, or after the free program at the Olympics. It's a raw deal but it's good to be aware so you're not suddenly in shock. I have a plan now and know exactly what to do and when, if it happens.