Paragraph 1: A Challenging Season and a Difficult Decision:
Paraskier and biathlete Zebastian Modin candidly admits that the 2023 season was incredibly demanding. A persistent hip injury became increasingly debilitating, forcing the 30-year-old athlete to make a tough decision. Recognizing the need to address the injury and prioritize his long-term health, Modin resolved to dedicate the period from spring 2023 to spring 2024 to rehabilitation. This meant scaling back on both competitions and training intensity, a choice made with the understanding that it would impact his performance in the short term but ultimately benefit his overall well-being.
Paragraph 2: Rediscovering Joy and Focusing on Recovery:
Modin’s decision to prioritize rehabilitation proved fruitful. The reduced training load and focus on recovery allowed his hip to heal more effectively than anticipated. More significantly, the break from the pressures of competition allowed him to rediscover the joy he found in skiing, unburdened by the constant pain that had plagued him. This renewed enthusiasm and the absence of pain became powerful motivators for his continued recovery and return to competitive skiing. He acknowledges the importance of addressing his injuries, particularly given his extensive career in parasports, emphasizing the need to rebuild a strong foundation for future success.
Paragraph 3: A Measured Approach to the Upcoming Season:
With a World Cup and World Championships on the horizon, Modin approaches the 2024 season with cautious optimism. Having dedicated the previous year to rehabilitation, he understands the need for a gradual return to peak performance. His primary goal for the season is to establish a solid base for the following year, recognizing that a full return to form will take time. While acknowledging this "transitional year" leading up to the 2026 Paralympics, Modin admits that maintaining this perspective will be challenging once the competitions begin.
Paragraph 4: The Competitive Spirit and the Importance of Performance:
Despite his focus on long-term goals, Modin acknowledges the inherent competitive drive that fuels him. He recognizes that the desire to perform well and achieve victory will inevitably surface once he’s on the starting line at the World Championships. While the 2024 season is primarily about building a foundation, he admits that a subpar performance would be disappointing, underscoring the importance of continuous improvement and the intrinsic motivation to succeed, regardless of the overarching seasonal goals. He recalls his past successes, such as his double gold medal wins at the 2023 World Championships in Östersund, as a reminder of his potential and a driving force behind his ambition.
Paragraph 5: The Significance of Body Control and Rehabilitation:
Modin highlights the crucial role of body control in parasports, particularly for athletes with physical impairments. He explains that due to the nature of their disabilities, certain body parts may be overcompensating for others, leading to increased stress and a higher risk of injury. He emphasizes two key elements in his rehabilitation: strengthening and balance. Building strength helps prevent instability and potential falls, while improving balance, which he notes is particularly challenging given his visual impairment, is vital for maintaining control and stability on skis. He recognizes that his rehabilitation has significantly improved his body control and understanding of these crucial aspects of his performance.
Paragraph 6: Looking Ahead to the 2026 Paralympics and Finding a New Guide:
Looking ahead to the 2026 Paralympics in Milano/Cortina, Modin has been proactively preparing on multiple fronts. Recognizing the importance of a strong partnership with his guide, he embarked on a search for an additional guide to complement his existing partnership with Emil Jönsson Haag. This new guide, whose identity he prefers to keep private for now, is still actively competing, a factor Modin sees as beneficial for both of them. He explains that finding the right guide is akin to building a team, requiring not only strong skiing skills but also compatibility and a positive working relationship, given the significant amount of time they spend together off the slopes. This proactive approach underscores Modin’s commitment to maximizing his performance and achieving his goals at the 2026 Paralympics.
