Ski Stars Astonished by Billionaire Christer Gardell's Generous Gift

It all began with a secret meeting during the World Championships in Trondheim. Ski stars Jonna Sundling, Emma Ribom, and Edvin Anger received unexpected support from billionaire Christer Gardell. Anger describes the episode as "the most unexpected thing he has experienced" and initially doubted its authenticity.

"You want it in writing before you believe it," he says.

One of last year's most talked-about stories was the meeting between Josef Fares and Ella Halvarsson on SVT's Bergfeldt. Biathlete Halvarsson, who had her breakthrough at the World Championships the same year, shared the tough financial reality she and many others in the biathlon world face.

Fares, a successful director and game developer, was moved by Halvarsson's story and decided to donate 300,000 kronor to her.

When that program aired, three Swedish cross-country skiers had experienced something similar.

During the World Championships in Trondheim, billionaire Christer Gardell arranged a meeting with Jonna Sundling, Emma Ribom, and Edvin Anger.

Ski Stars Astonished by Billionaire's Gift

The meeting, which became known only after the championship concluded, ended with financier Gardell choosing to sponsor the skiers with "a million amount" over a three-year period to support their endeavors.

"The positive effects our elite athletes contribute are invaluable," he explained his decision.

Edvin Anger describes the event in an interview with Södra Dalarnes Tidningar as "the most unexpected thing he has experienced." When Expressen meets him at the national team's camp in Riksgränsen, Anger admits he initially didn't believe it was true.

"You didn't dare to believe it until it became a reality, so to speak. Many can talk, and it's not often that people come forward with a large sum of money to help support us and make our careers easier and better," he says.

"You still want it in writing before you believe it, that's how it is. But it's super fun that he's supporting me."

Jonna Sundling believed Gardell's words but was equally shocked.

"I felt 'oh my god, how crazy.' It felt, of course, unreal and almost too good to be true. Because things like this don't really happen."

Ribom: "It's so nice that he chose us"

Emma Ribom expresses gratitude and pride over receiving the billionaire's gift.

"It's incredibly fun, and we are all incredibly grateful," she says.

"I thought it was nice that he chose us. One of the reasons was that he thought we were good role models, and that's something I really want to be."

Ribom shares that after ski high school, she had to turn every penny to make ends meet while chasing her dream of becoming a world-class skier.

She hopes Gardell's contribution to them can encourage more to invest in sports.

"Sports need support and backing. I hope this can motivate larger companies to get involved in sports again and see the young talents on the rise."