Krista Pärmäkoski (FIN) opened her season with second place in the 10-kilometer classic race in Muonio (FIN) Saturday morning.
On Sunday, she followed up with a solid fifth place in the 10-kilometer skate race at the same venue, confirming that she’s on track for yet another strong season at the top international level and nowhere close to step down anytime soon.
This spring, Pärmäkoski reconsidered her original plan: To retire after the 2022 Olympic season.
But after taking home a bronze medal and two strong fourth-place finishes from the Beijing Olympics in February, cruising through the last World Cup period with a slew of podiums, and finishing third in the overall World Cup, Pärmäkoski didn’t feel like quitting her career just yet.
“I am not ready to retire yet. I am still hungry for more. Winning an individual gold medal at the Olympics was my main goal for the 2021/22 season. But there are be more opportunities down the road, and there is a new World Championship even this coming winter,” Pärmäkoski said as she announced her plans to continue racing in April.
While Pärmäkoski has raced at the World Cup level since November 2008, the seasoned Finn is still only 31 years old, and feels like she can perform at the top level for several more seasons.
“I am super motivated to continue racing,” Pärmäkoski says.
And so it goes: Krista Pärmäkoski is about to embark on her 15th season at the World Cup level, with the ambition to take home a gold medal from the 2023 World Championships in Planica (SLO).
The first events of the 2022/23 World Cup take place on home turf in Ruka (FIN), on November 25 to 27, while the World Championships are set for February 21 to March 5.
Photo by: Nordic Focus