PyeongChang 2018: Cross-country plays Cupid for Nordic skiing pair

Carina Edlinger and Eirik Bye hope to celebrate Paralympic success as a couple 06 Mar 2018
Imagen
a male and female Para Nordic skier smiling together

Eirik Bye and Carina Edlinger are hoping they will both be celebrating medal success at PyeongChang 2018

ⒸCarina Edlinger
By IPC

“We have the mission of winning a medal, yes, but even if we do not reach the podium we will celebrate because we feel satisfied already by competing at a Paralympic Winter Games.”

Carina Edlinger and Eirik Bye have been hit by Cupid's arrow.

The cross-country skiers began a relationship after sharing the Finsterau 2017 World Championships and the past World Cup season.

Now, they are both targeting their first Winter Paralympic medal at PyeongChang 2018. And, of course, they are hoping to celebrate together.

“We have the mission of winning a medal, yes, but even if we do not reach the podium we will celebrate because we feel satisfied already by competing at a Paralympic Winter Games,” said Edlinger. “Still, we are hopeful we can leave PyeongChang as champions.”

The Austrian vision impaired skier, guided by her brother Julian, won two world titles in Finsterau and ended top of the overall 2017-18 World Cup rankings, proving she will be one to watch in her category.

“I may be one of the favourite to win a medal, but I am calm. Together with Eirik we stay optimistic and hope for the best. I would be happy to expand my medal collection and buy a new shelf!”

Norway´s Bye added: “Carina has a good chance of winning a medal in Pyeongchang! It would also be cool if we could both get to the podium. These will be interesting days and I look forward to both competing and supporting Carina here.”

This is going to be the second successive Winter Paralympic experience for the 22-year-old, who finished fourth at this season´s overall World Cup rankings.

“My goals for PyeongChang are to take one individual and one team medals. We have a very strong team in the relay and we hope to repeat the Worlds´ medal. If we are all in good shape, we will be in good position to fight for the gold,” said Bye.

“I feel I am in good shape. I have done my best throughout the season and have had good feelings these past weeks.”

Edlinger and Bye also highlighted the importance of having a relationship with someone who does the same activity and, therefore, understand the sacrifices it involves. “It is great to have someone who understand what you do and shares your passion and hard work,” she said.

“Eirik is a very good person with a big heart. As an athlete he works hard and stays optimistic.”

Bye said: “It is nice we both have the same interests. Carina is a very positive person, she always has positive views on everything, never gives up and always sees the possibilities instead of the obstacles.”

Tickets for PyeongChang 2018 can be purchased here.