For Swiss Olympian, Nadine Fähndrich, the summer training season is in full swing. Fähndrich shares insight into the summer training and upcoming winter season. While most athletes stick to what is comfortable, some high-profile athletes are embracing their independence and stepping away from their respective national teams.

With the World Championships in Trondheim coming up in just a few months and the next Olympics just over a year away, it is an obvious focus for many athletes.

“The summer training is going very well. I have already been able to train a lot and am seeing progress in various areas,” Fähndrich says.

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Head coach of the Swiss national team, Erik Bråten Guidon mentioned “It is true that they (Nadine and brother, Cyril) wanted to pursue their own training program with the former national team coach Ivan and have chosen not to be a part of the national team’s training program this season.”

Stepping away from the organised summer training from the Swiss National Team was a bold move, one inspired by a desire for continuity and a personal vision that stretches all the way to Milan 2026.

“Of course, we think it’s unfortunate that two of the best skiers in the country don’t want to train with the rest of the best skiers in the country and continue to progress and develop as a part of the team environment. But we respect that they see things differently and have made this decision,” says Bråten Guidon, and continues:

“On a general basis, we believe that the best training program in Switzerland is within the national team, and that the supportive team environment and community among the athletes are the most important reasons to be a part of the national team system. But when some individuals apparently are of a different opinion, I hope that they are doing a best possible job on their own and come into the season strong and well prepared. After all, we just want to bring as many strong Swiss skiers as possible to the start line.”

As more athletes choose the path of independence, often training away from their national teams, there’s been speculation about potential collaborations. When asked if she might consider teaming up with Norway’s sprint specialist Kristine Stavås Skistad to challenge the dominant Swedish women, she responded:

“I never had contact with her, but I am very happy that I could and can join some sessions with other strong women.”

Swiss national teams for season 2024/2025