Swedish public broadcasting company SVT interviewed Sweden’s skiing star Frida Karlsson about the terrorist act that happened in Brussels, Belgium.
On October 16, in the center of Brussels, a man who identified himself as a supporter of the terrorist organization ISIS shot at Swedish soccer supporters. Two men, both fans of the Swedish national team, died. The European football qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden was suspended.
The fear experienced by Swedes has been a significant topic of conversation for a long time. In Sweden, the security police raised the terrorist threat from three to four in the fall. Many feel that the threat stems from the numerous burnings of Islam’s holy book, the Koran, that have taken place in Sweden. Gang shootings and other acts of gang violence have also shocked Sweden.
SVT asked Karlsson about what it’s like to travel and compete as a Swedish high-profile sports star. The media was interested in whether Karlsson feels safe.
Ten-time World Cup medalist Karlsson said that the Swedish national skiing team has also taken measures. The national team has taken various safety measures and given the athletes instructions regarding travel.
– It is obviously terrible what happened. But at the same time we travel to places like Ruka or Livigno. They are little shitty places, and maybe not the worst in terms of terrorist threat. So it feels a little safer that way.
One choice of words, calling Ruka a “shithole”, attracted attention in Finland as well. Karlsson told the Swede For Expressenthat he has received “several angry messages” from Finland.
– The whole thing is a clear sign that I am an athlete and not a politician, Karlsson stated.
According to Karlsson, he chose his words poorly. He said that he meant that Ruka is a small place compared to, say, Brussels, and therefore less risky.
– And I don’t have any problems with Ruka. On the contrary, I think it’s great there.
Karlsson stated that he understands the Finns’ reaction, because he too would feel bad if someone spoke badly about Sollefteå, where he comes from.
The Swedish star added that Sollefteå should also be called a crappy place by this criterion, because he was only talking about the small size of the town.
– I apologize here and now to the entire Finnish people. I was the one who worded it badly.
Ruka’s amused counter-comments
Karlsson’s comments did not go unnoticed in Kuusamo either. Ruka World Cup competition manager Jukka Tahkola says that the matter had been discussed at Kuusamo’s Erä-Veikkou office.
– We wondered and laughed about it. All that in the world has to be let out of one’s mouth. It didn’t cause much noise or uproar.
Tahkola, who started as Ruka Nordic’s competition manager in February 2021, had no regrets.
– I have lived here for almost 60 years. I don’t need a neighbor to tell me if this is a good or bad place. Which direction is the wind blowing from?
– Let’s eat those frogs out of the mouth ourselves. Then when they happen to come in the right place, they become a big deal. I don’t think we’ll get a kick out of that anyway.
The Ruka World Cup will be contested on the 24th–26th. November. The World Cup season for cross-country, combined and ski jumping will open in Ruka. According to Tahkola, the arrangements have progressed on schedule.
– Now we were relieved and saved when the frost came. You don’t need to be in rapakas or rava. And let’s enjoy the snow on the jumping hill. Of course, when we’re outside, if it starts to get really windy from the south, it’s suddenly five degrees plus. Now we are satisfied with this.
Karlsson’s driver’s license on the shelf
Frida Karlsson still had more to reveal regarding travel matters For Expressen. His driver’s license was shelved for two months, the latter of which still remains.
Last winter, Karlsson was on his way to training in Östersund when he crashed. Karlsson had not complied with the duty to avoid. The cars were damaged, but no one was injured.
Karlsson said he accepted his punishment. The skier has now had to use the “taxi services” of his friends.
– I have to endure this thing, I probably deserved this.
Ruka World Cup 24.–26.11. In this article you can see which all Winter Sports World Cup competitions are shown on channels.