Charlotte Kalla has ended her career.
Now she has been properly praised in Sundsvall.
– It feels unreal, she says.
Charlotte Kalla is without a doubt one of Sweden’s foremost cross-country skiers of all time. There are few in the sport who have an equally magnificent track record, and she tops the list of number of Olympic medals.
Hailed to thousands
All good, on the other hand, has an end. The Swede has had problems with form in recent seasons, and the dominant Charlotte Kalla who everyone is used to seeing has been happy with her absence.
This season she did not take a podium place in the World Cup – but showed that old is the oldest and stood for a very good Swedish Championship where she beat, among others, Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson in several different distances.
After her last race during the Swedish Championship week, she was really praised by her teammates. A tribute she really deserved, and on Monday she received the cheers of the people in her hometown Sundsvall.
“Feels really big”
On National Day, several thousand people had gathered to thank the icon for all the fond memories she has given during her years as active. Charlotte Kalla was also praised by the municipality, and the praise knew no bounds.
– No one will ever forget the relay at the Olympics in Sochi. With your joy and charisma, you have encouraged our children and young people to find joy in our fine sport, said Medelpad’s ski association Eric Boström.
Charlotte Kalla was moved by all the tributes.
– It was difficult to understand how many people applied to Stora torget and the city. It feels a little unreal. I got a little nervous, she tells ST.
From next season, she will have a competition named after her in the municipality.
– It feels really big. I think it is something that can contribute to the recruitment to the sport. Competing is the best thing there is. And competing in teams is even more fun.
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