PHOTO: Bildbyrån
They are two of the future of Swedish skiing.
But now both talents choose to leave the country.
Erica Lavén and Carl Rune take the step over to the USA instead.
Next season there will be big changes for two great Swedish talents in cross-country skiing. 21-year-olds Carl Rune and 19-year-olds Erica Lavén have decided to move to the US to continue their skiing careers.
Leaving Sweden
Lavén has won JSM gold in the sprint and represented Sweden at the JVM three times, where the best was sixth place. While Rune has established himself as a senior rider and made his debut at the World Cup, he also has a JVM silver to his credit.
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Both have now decided to leave Sweden and study at the university in Salt Lake City, Utah, starting in August.
– I take one year at a time, but it can quickly become 3-4 years. I will study in the economics program, says Carl Rune, who has lived and studied in Östersund for the past two years, to låndg.se.
– It shouldn’t be worse to study over there, I’ve heard quite a few stories. I hope to develop as a skier and, if possible, try to qualify for the U23 WC next winter. I’ve always wanted to try the US and started thinking about the possibility this winter. After the ski high school in Mora, I have now spent two years in Östersund, but I have never been to Salt Lake City.
“It is difficult”
The 21-year-old’s father Peter Rune also studied at the same university and may have influenced the son quite a bit. Also the former national team skater Martin Bergström has lived and studied in Utah.
– There are hardly any Scandinavians who go for Utah now. I think they have seven men and seven women in the cross-country team. My goal over there will be to perform in the American university championships, says Carl in the interview.
– It is difficult to say whether you will miss something from Sweden. Now it won’t be a year in a row. Probably home for Christmas and hopefully selections for the U23 WC and during the summer you are also at home.
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Both cross-country skiers are from Stockholm and have competed for Täby IS. But Erica Lavén recently switched to Åsarna IK to take the next step in her skiing career and now an even bigger step awaits on the other side of the Atlantic.
What do you think of the talent’s decision to leave Sweden? Share the article and have your say!
READ MORE: William Poromaa and Edvin Anger’s tough decision that arouses emotions – the clear nob of the Swedish skiing stars: “It’s a risk”
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