Skater Ragne Wiklund discusses her physical and mental fatigue following a successful Olympic performance, as she prepares for the upcoming World Allround Championships in Thialf.
Schaatsen.nl, the Netherlands
Ragne Wiklund spoke on a Wednesday morning in Thialf about still feeling tired from the recent Olympic Games. She said that she anticipated needing a few more days to feel fully prepared for the World Allround Championships. The exhaustion she experiences is not only physical but also mental, reflecting an intense period following the Winter Olympics held in Milan.
At the Olympics, Wiklund achieved remarkable results by earning three individual medals: silver in both the 1500 and 3000 meters, and bronze in the 5000 meters. Prior to the event, Wiklund had hoped for just one medal and did not expect to win medals across all three distances. She described this accomplishment as incredible.
Despite strong performances throughout the season, including becoming European champion in the 1500 and 3000 meters and securing podium finishes in every World Cup event, Wiklund maintained realistic expectations heading into the Games. She acknowledged the unpredictability of the Olympic competition and the possibility of unexpected outcomes regardless of prior successes.
To manage the pressure, she adopted a mindful approach, aiming not to set excessively high expectations for herself. Wiklund emphasized her desire to enjoy the experience of being at the Olympics and to separate the racing from the overall event. She expressed that participating in the Olympics is about more than results, as she does not want outcomes alone to define her perception of that period.
Still, she acknowledged feeling the weight of expectations, particularly given the significant attention the Olympics receive in Norway, where the entire country follows the Games closely. Wiklund found reassurance after securing a podium position in the first event, as it helped meet some of the expectations, especially those held by Norwegian fans. With a thoughtful smile, she noted that the desire to contribute and avoid disappointing supporters is a strong motivator during such a high-profile competition.
