Jonna Sundling's Inspiring Path to Gold

Jonna Sundling is the Gunde Svan of the 2020s. Kinder than most, faster than the rest of the world. In 'Sommar i P1', the skiing queen shares her mental winning strategy.

The idea of the loud, cocky winner is outdated. Kind souls win the race, probably with less energy loss.

Sweden's skiing queen doesn't care about others. She can block out competitors, one pole stroke at a time.

Or as she herself says, perfect for a cross-stitch embroidery or a tattoo:

She takes the pole strokes she wants to take.

I shiver with delight at her attitude. I understand why the stack of gold medals grows. Those who don't glance at others are free to just go for it. This summer talk is a mental workout that works.

Sundling's stories about illnesses, injuries, and rehabilitations, however, are as exciting as listening to an elderly relative's dental visit.

It's the glint of skis in the snow, the reverence when secularized Sweden celebrates a skiing mass together, that I want. When she talks about the pole strokes towards the relay gold, I cry from our shared triumph.

Thank you for that, queen Jonna.