The numbers speak for themselves: Sweden is overtaking Norway.
This causes Frida Karlsson to react strongly.
– I had no idea about this, says the star.
A few years ago, Norway had a total advantage over Sweden as soon as distance races in the World Cup or major championships were held. Therese Johaug won pretty much every single competition she competed in, and was the big dominator in both the WC and the Olympics before she ended her career.
Norway in crisis
But now it is Sweden that, more often than not, is at the top. Norway is coming off a miserable season on the women’s side, where only Kristine Stavå’s Skistad has been the big exclamation mark. But the fact is that the crisis in Norwegian cross-country skiing is bigger than that. According to figures that Expressen published over the weekend, it appears that Norway is losing skiers of all ages throughout the country.
Between 2015 and 2022, according to the evening newspaper, the number of registered skiers went from 136,235 to 87,498. In Sweden, during the same period, we went from 47,148 to 64,481. Norway thereby reduced its skiers by 36 percent – while Sweden increased by 37 percent . The figures cause several Norwegian experts to react strongly, but in Sweden there are many who rejoice.
“As a Swede, it’s a lot of fun”
Frida Karlsson, one of the skiing world’s greatest, sums it all up as “strange”.
– It’s weird. A little fascinated. But… as a Swede, it’s a lot of fun, says Frida Karlsson to Expressen.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the numbers is that in Sweden in 2022, for the first time, there were more girls than boys engaged in cross-country skiing in the age group 0-12 years. Frida Karlsson believes that the good results for many years have helped.
– It’s cool! But we’ve had a really good ‘go’ for several years now, she says.
Jonna Sundling is also pleased with the figures.
– It feels a bit cool that you can inspire others, says Jonna Sundling.
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