PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Former cross-country skier Charlotte Kalla is one of Sweden’s most successful athletes.
The 35-year-old was born in Pajala – where many people speak the minority language Meänkieli.
And on that theme, a name proposal has now appeared that makes the three-time Olympic champion really surprised.
There are probably not many – if any – who do not know Charlotte Kalla. The 35-year-old is Sweden’s leading female Olympian with nine Olympic medals, three of which have been gold.
Called surprise
The cross-country skier from Tärendö, Pajala chose to end his enormous career in the spring of 2022 after almost fifteen years as an active elite skier where the successes have been countless.
The article continues after the picture.
Now Charlotte Kalla’s home town of Pajala has come under fire. This after the municipality has opened to change the name of the municipality to Pajalan Kunta – which would mean that the municipality will be the first ever to have a name of Meänkieli.
READ MORE: Linn Svahn’s adamant response after the Russian Olympic hero’s rage against Sweden: “I stand for it all the way”
“Is it true!?”
Charlotte Kalla accepts the proposal with open arms, but is at first surprised when she hears about the possible name change.
– Is it true? That makes me happy! This was news to me. God, what a great initiative. I think it is very important to take back the pride of belonging to a minority. This is a step on the way, it makes me happy and proud. This was good news, says Kalla to Expressen.
The article continues after the picture.
The proposal has been in the back of the mind for a long time, but now it can become a reality since the council decided to apply to the government for the name change.
– If it goes through, the municipality will be the first with a Meänkielian form of name. After all, I myself am Meänkiel speaking and the mother of two children who I think have a right to their mother tongue, says the Pajala politician Birgitta Rantatalo (S) to NSD.
What do you think of this name suggestion? Share the article and have your say!
READ MORE: Therese Johaug’s tough outing against the Swedish stars – now singles out Karlsson and Dahlqvist: “Must stand for it”