The career of Charlotte Kalla has not only been marked by exceptional race results, but also by Charlotte taking over the role-model position for young skiers from Sweden but also internationally.
Introduction to the senior level
In 2006, the then 18 year-young Charlotte stood on the World Cup stage for the first time. The season 2006/07 was her first full World Cup season, which she started off with a 7th rank in the 10km World Cup opener race in Gällivare. A star was born.
Her first World Cup victory followed in February 2007 in Davos. At the following World Championships in Sapporo, Charlotte Kalla was on the start line for her first title event as a senior and took the 7th rank in 15km.
Charlotte and title events
Charlotte stood on the start line at 35 World Championship races. The number of races itself is remarkable. Even more remarkable however is the fact, that (apart from four exceptions) her final results were all within the top-10. Three 11th ranks and one 18th rank break the rule but are part of the stable achievements of Charlotte Kalla.
After gaining the first experiences of a World Cup season and World Championships, Charlotte was ready to play in the front rows in the season 2007/08. With her victory in the Tour de Ski and eight more podium spots during the World Cup season, Charlotte ended her season in fourth place in the Overall World Cup Standings.
Heading into the Olympic Winter Games of Vancouver in 2010, Charlotte was a top favourite and proved to be in the right place by taking her maiden Olympic Gold Medal in the 10km in Free technique. Together with Anna Haag, the duo claimed the silver medal in addition.
Until her final Olympic season, Charlotte Kalla claimed a total of 5 individual Olympic podiums, including two Olympic Gold Medals – plus four podium spots with the team.
