Hedda Bångman has been ascending in her skiing career, conquering better positions season after season. Read the ProXCskiing interview to know more about the future medical doctor who also aims to be one of the top Pro Tour skiers.

Hedda Bångman was a junior talent who made her World Cup debut at only 20-years-old, before moving to the United States, where she studied at the University of Colorado Boulder. She became the American champion in the 20km classic mass start in 2018.

After returning to Sweden, Hedda decided to step into long-distance racing. First with Team Nordic Athlete, then with Team Eksjöhus, and now with the French Team Nordic Expérience.

Read More: Swedish Hedda Bångman Joins Team Nordic Expérience

Over the seasons, Hedda has become a more experienced long-distance skier, with regular top 20 positions. But this summer has been especially good for the Swedish skier, conquering four podiums in five competitions. ProXCskiing talked to Hedda to learn more about the training and goals of the Swedish Pro Tour athlete.

How do you feel about last season?

“Overall, I am happy with the last season. I had some good races and some that were not so good. I got Covid back in January, which ruined some races, but I came back and had a couple of good races in March, particularly Årefjälllsloppet and Tjejvasan. I really liked the first race we had in Orsa, where we had to work as a team and ski together. I am very happy over my performance there.”

Summer has been good for you, with several podiums. How has your training been? And how are you physically and mentally feeling for next season?

“I have had a very good pre-season training. I have been able to stay healthy and follow my training plan. I think I have trained more than ever this summer. The rollerskiing races I have done indicate that I am better than I was last year, which is very satisfying. I am feeling good, I caught a cold a few days ago, so I have been taking it a little easy lately. Despite that, October was a very good month where I have been able to put in a solid amount of training.” 

Now that winter is around the corner, what are your goals for next season? And which race do you look forward to the most?

“I am very excited for the coming season. My primary goal is to do better than last year. Hopefully, that will also lead to better results, and finishing top 6 would be awesome. My main goal is Vasaloppet, and that’s also the race I look most forward to.” 

How is the relationship with your new Pro Team, Team Nordic Expérience? 

“The coming season, I will be racing for the French team Nordic Expérience, which has been great so far. They are awesome, and I look forward to hanging out and racing with them.” 

Other than skiing, what do you do? What are your projects for the future?

“Except from skiing, I am a full-time medical student. My schedule is pretty busy; I usually wake up at 6 am to get the first workout done before going to class. It’s challenging to combine medical studies and a professional ski career. I am curious to see how it will turn out when I am in season and will be gone traveling. So far, it has worked well for me, and I think my life situation right now is very stimulating, even though I might feel a little overwhelmed sometimes.” 

You studied in Colorado. Can you describe to us how the experience of skiing there was?

“The time I spent studying in Colorado was amazing. I had the time of my life over there, and I miss it sometimes. It was such a great experience, and I am forever grateful for that opportunity and all the memories I have made. From a personal perspective, I made a huge development, and I think that helps me now when combining studies with skiing.” 

Can you tell us your most special memory related to skiing?

“It’s hard to pick just one moment from my ski career that has been the best one. There are many great moments, from single training sessions to training camps and big competitions. Winning the bronze medal at the Swedish Nationals in the team sprint with my little sister Tilde in April this year was an unforgettable moment. Succeeding together was twice as much fun!” 

Read More: Team Nordic Experérience Skiers For The 2022/2023 Season