PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Last year’s JVM won Alvar Myhlback double WC gold.
This year he has been poked completely from the Swedish JVM squad.
The decision has caused strong reactions and here is the reason behind it.
Last season the Swedish super talent did Alvar Myhlback great success on the ski slopes. He came third in the Vasaloppet, made his debut at the World Cup and, above all, he won double JVM gold.
Myhlback poked
Unfortunately, this season has not gone as well for the 18-year-old, who has had difficulty delivering as a senior skater. Myhlback is most likely not going to be selected for the ski WC and on Thursday there was a most unexpected nod.
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When the Swedish JVM squad was announced, not even Alvar Myhlback’s name was included. It obviously caused great irritation to the teenager, who had expected to go to Italy for the junior championship.
– I can’t understand it. Obviously annoying as I would really like to join. It’s sad, he said himself at a press conference.
The answer to Alvar
The reason for the poke is that Myhlback has not met the Swedish national team’s requirements to participate in the selection competitions. Last week he had his last chance at a qualifying competition for the JVM in Norway’s Bergeforsen, but then Alvar chose to go long-distance in Switzerland instead.
“You have to have a result from our national junior cup and JVM test and the competitions in Bergeforsen are important. We establish our selection criteria for all selections before the season to give fair conditions to all active so that they know what it takes to get to the championship,” writes Linda Danvind Malmleader of the Swedish junior national team, in a text message to the news agency TT.
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The decision to poke Myhlback from JVM has provoked strong reactions within ski Sweden. As he is the reigning JVM gold medalist in both 10 km classic and in relay.
– I don’t think it should be a discussion. It takes a lot of energy which is a shame. And that it is not fair. They make a decision that they know is not good for any of us. I just think it’s totally stupid, says Alvar himself.
“My colleagues and I respect those who choose to go their own way. But regardless of whether it concerns the Olympics, World Cup, World Cup or JVM, we proceed from set selection criteria that provide conditions for equal conditions”, gives national team leader Danvind Malm in response.
When the JVM squad was presented, even Myhlback’s name was not mentioned at all in the press release. Instead of the JVM, the 18-year-old will now ride the Marcialonga long race this weekend and then compete in the Vasaloppet later this year.
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The Swedish JVM squad
Ladies: Mira Göransson, Johanna Hägg, Kajsa Johansson, Minna Mikaelsson, Sofia Pedersen, Elsa Täglander.
Gentlemen: Erik Bergström, Tage Börjesson, Jonatan Lindberg, Hugo Nilsson, Eddie Pettersson, Måns Ravald.
Competition program:
Monday, February 3: Sprint, classic style.
Wednesday 5 February: 20 km mass start, classic.
Friday 7 February: 10 km, freestyle, individual start.
Sunday, February 9: Mixed relay, 4×5 km.
Source: Swedish Skiing Association.
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