Are: Stenmark says Paerson can break wins mark

ARE, Sweden — All-time World Cups wins leader Ingemar Stenmark said he “is sure” compatriot Anja Paerson can surpass his 86 wins on the circuit — if she skis long enough and maintains her passion for the sport.
ARE, Sweden — All-time World Cups wins leader Ingemar Stenmark said he “is sure” compatriot Anja Paerson can surpass his 86 wins on the circuit — if she skis long enough and maintains her passion for the sport.
    The legendary racer from the same hometown as Paerson — the tiny village of Tarnaby —  spoke during a press conference Friday here promoting a made-for-television ski race planned for Saturday night in Are.
    “She’s a fantastic skier in all discplines and very focused. She has good physique and good technique and a strong mind,” Stenmark said. “And, of course, I’m very proud because she’s from Tarnaby.”
    Paerson, with three gold medals at these World Championships, has 34 World Cups win at age 25. She doesn’t have a win on the World Cup yet this season but obviously is rounding into form as the season heads for home.
    Stenmark also was asked Friday if he could have added to his wins total if today’s shorter, more maneuverable slalom skis would have been available in his time.
    “It’s easier skiing now, but winning isn’t easier,” Stenmark said. 
    Also present at Friday’s press conference was Sweden’s last men’s world champion, Jonas Nilsson. Nilsson won the slalom world title in 1985 ahead of Marc Girardelli.
    “Unfortunately, I am the last Swedish male world champion. And I definitely hope that will change on Saturday,” Nilsson said.
    One of the favorites for the gold medal in Saturday’s men’s slalom is Sweden’s Jens Byggmark. Yet another racer from Tarnaby, Byggmark comes in on a roll, having won the two World Cup slaloms in Kitzbühel, Austria, in late January.