The Swedish skier, aged 26, won last season's sprint title in the International Ski Federation (FIS) Cross-Country World Cup and also won two golds and a silver at the 2019 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships.

However, due to a rib stress fracture, which made her miss most of the World Cup circuit this season, she has opted to move to biathlon - spending her rehabilitation at shooting ranges.

Speaking about her new career path, Nilsson said: "My basic idea was to run cross-country skiing for another Olympics and then change after the season 2022. 

"But because of my injury I have been given a lot of time to think and test shoot and I feel that I really do not want to wait any longer."

Nilsson made 41 podiums from 108 World Cup starts in her cross-country career, with 23 of them being wins.

She added that she is not concerned by the change of sport. 

"I am humbled by the biathlon challenges, where I believe that the routine of the rifle and learning all about the weapon, such as when and how to screw, will be the biggest challenge, but they are a challenge I look forward to."

Nilsson won Olympic gold in the sprint at Pyeongchang 2018 as well as winning two silver medals and a bronze, adding to the sole bronze she won at Sochi 2014 .