No National Team Skiers at Swedish Championships for Second Consecutive Year

The Swedish Roller Ski Championships are taking place this weekend in Norrköping. How many national team stars are present? None – for the second year in a row.

– We don't require them to participate, says cross-country chief Lars Öberg.

The SM week kicked off on Tuesday in Norrköping. This weekend, two races will determine the new Swedish champions in roller skiing in both sprint and 18-kilometer freestyle.

However, interest from the country's top skiers has been lukewarm.

Due to the low number of registrations, the Swedish Ski Federation extended the registration deadline to as late as the day before the competitions. As of Wednesday, only 14 women and 27 men are signed up for the sprint event on Saturday.

Normally, 30 skiers are needed to fill all quarter-final spots.

– I'm not surprised by the turnout. Roller skiing is a summer sport, and there are many camps and other events that the best skiers are constantly booked for, says cross-country chief Lars Öberg.

Anton Grahn Stands Alone

Just like last year, no national team skiers are registered for the SM competitions. Two years ago, Marcus Grate was the only national team representative when he won silver on home soil in Umeå.

The only national team skier present in Norrköping is U23 world champion Anton Grahn, who belongs to the development team Team Bauhaus.

– People probably feel it doesn't fit into their plan to compete in hard races at the end of June and instead prioritize building a good foundation for the fall. It's obviously very unfortunate.

So how do you feel about it?

– I think it's really fun to compete in these races. They fit well into my plan, and I think a weekend can be taken from training, says Grahn.

For the past two years, the federation has decided that no national team camps should clash with SM competitions. Therefore, there is a gap in the skiers' schedule.

– But it's voluntary. We don't require our national team skiers to participate, but we try to inspire and encourage them to compete, says Lars Öberg.

SVT's Response – Could Be Dropped from SM

As in previous years, SVT is broadcasting the competitions from SM week. Their project manager Ulf Nilsson is not entirely satisfied with the turnout from the ski team.

– We naturally hope that the best will participate. Charlotte Kalla, during her time, participated in many SM weeks – but since then, it hasn't been the case, says Nilsson and notes:

– It doesn't seem very popular to participate in too many roller ski races. And I guess it's more stimulating to compete in Norway at their events.

Do the skiers perhaps get better pay there?

– You said it.

Already after the SM week in Umeå 2023, SVT was clear that it is not certain that roller skiing will remain on the program if star skiers continue to snub the competition.

How do you feel today?

– Those thoughts are still absolutely the same, says project manager Ulf Nilsson.

At the same time, he hasn't given up hope that some stars will show up at the last minute.

– The last word hasn't been said yet. It's still possible to register late, and I know there are some discussions ongoing.