Many athletes receive compensation for representing Sweden internationally, but there are also those who have to pay to be on the national team.
It is not unusual for skiers in the alpine national team to cover part of their costs themselves. This year, however, the ceiling for this amount has been removed, which has led to greatly increased costs
Financial pressure on the riders
Axel Lindqvist, 24 from Sundsvall is one of the riders who pays for his seat. He is ranked in category C, and thus is expected to pay significant sums to participate in the national team’s training camps and competitions.
When SVT spoke to him, he was in Switzerland training for the upcoming season.
– I have tried to find as many solutions as possible. For example, I have started selling exercise equipment on my own to make ends meet. I also arrange training camps for young people, and the income from these helps me complete the season, says Axel Lindqvist.
Despite the financial challenges, he is determined to continue his venture. His passion for the sport and the dream of reaching the top of the world drive him forward.
– I’ve been training all my life for this and I’m not going to give up now. Instead, I try to find solutions and see it as motivation to get better. It’s also a lot about prioritizing where and which competitions I go to, he says.
The future of Swedish Alpine Skiing
Axel’s situation is not unique. Many of his teammates face similar challenges. The Swedish alpine manager, Karin Stolt Halvarsson, confirms for Today’s News that the financial situation is strained.
The national team is organized into three training groups and ranking categories
(A, B, C), which in turn affects costs and arrangements for the participants.
The three riders in category A and six others in training group 1 have their costs covered. Five skaters in category B pay around SEK 100,000, while the five in category C account for upwards of SEK 150,000 to be able to participate in the national team activities.
– But the exact sums cannot be said, says Stolt Halvarsson to DN.