Photo: The image agency
Frida Karlsson, Ebba Andersson, Linn Svahn and Jonna Sundling all have a chance to win WC gold in just over a month.
Nevertheless, Norwegian expert Petter Soleng Skinstad warns that Sweden’s future could be dark – if they repeat the same mistakes that Norway has already made.
– I am warning Sweden here and now, he says to Expressen.
Despite the fact that some of the Swedish cross-country skiers have had a bit of a rough start to the season, it cannot be understated that many of the early favorites before the WC are Swedes. Jonna Sundling and Lynn Svahn has every opportunity in the world to win gold in the sprint and in the longer distances has both Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson the capacity to strike Therese Johaug.
Petter Soleng Skinstad’s warning to Sweden
It is undeniably looking good for the Swedish women’s national team, which has never before been so successful. During the WC in Planica 2023, Sweden won twelve medals, of which the ladies accounted for eleven of them. But all is not peace and joy. The Norwegian TV expert, former elite skier, Petter Soleng Skinstad now tells Expressen that Sweden must be careful. The “golden era” may soon be over.
He points to Norwegian skiers who Marit BjörgenTherese Johaug and Maiken Caspersen Falla all of which were dominant in the 2010s. When they finished, Norway suffered a hangover and Sweden was able to take over their place as the leading nation.
– I am warning Sweden here and now. You may never get the generation you have now again. So make sure this generation doesn’t spoil for the next. Fanimej you have to look for a long time to find good Norwegian ladies skiers who were born between 1992 and 1995. The talents that emerged then never got the chance. It was almost impossible to get the chance in the World Cup. The result was that you missed very, very, very many good skaters, he says and continues:
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– If they don’t do this the right way, you will call me in five, eight or ten years again and ask: “What went wrong?” What was it that happened? Why haven’t we had a Swedish girl on the podium throughout the season?”. You cannot think: “Yes, yes, it will work out.” We are doing a good job”. Then you think just like in Norway. And then you think completely wrong.
Frida Karlsson agrees with the expert
Both Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson were 19 years old when they got the chance in the A national team. But today it looks different. It is much more difficult for the younger cross-country skiers to take their place with the seniors at the highest level. The competition is much higher, which means that those who are just below the national team level are screened out. Then there is the risk of missing out on a great talent who might bloom a little later.
– It’s a huge, huge difference to how it was when I broke through. If it had happened today, I wouldn’t have had the chance. There aren’t very many doors opening downwards. We have talked about that, admits Frida Karlsson.
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Soleng Skinstad has two suggestions for solutions, things that will improve the regrowth of skilled women skiers in Sweden and at the same time ensure that we do not fall into the same trap as Norway did. Among other things, he wants more money to go to the junior teams, and he also wants more talents to get a chance in the World Cup. The Norwegian believes that we must dare to poke our stars if they are sick or out of shape.
Generational change after the WC 2027
Swedish national team manager Anders Byström is aware of the problems that exist, especially since he was the coach of the Norwegian national team after Björgen and Johaug’s glory days, and he informs Expressen that they are working on a solution. After the WC 2027 in Falun, there is a risk that Frida Karlsson and Maja Dahlqvist ends, and the following year Jonna Sundling, Ebba Andersson and Moa Ilar everyone over 30. Then the next generational shift begins.
How do you think it will go for the Swedish ladies in the World Ski Championships at the end of February? How many golds will there be? Feel free to write a comment on Sportbibeln’s Facebook page!
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