She has been part of the Swedish national cross-country ski team and has competed at the highest level in Ski Classics. But now, Frida Erkers is saying goodbye. The athlete from Dalarna chooses to end what has been her everything for nearly half her life.

“It’s time for me to say thank you and farewell to what has been life for more than half my life.” That’s how Frida begins on social media, continuing:

“Challenge and development have always been my driving forces, and now it’s time to turn the page and seek challenges elsewhere. This past year has been more about patching and repairing than pushing to develop. This was my final season as an elite skier.

The last year and a half didn’t turn out as I had hoped — I really wanted so much more. But things rarely go exactly as planned. Elite sports can be tough and challenging, but it’s also a true privilege to be part of.

I didn’t achieve all my competitive goals, but I got to live my childhood dream and had a damn good time along the way. A dream that was always about becoming a skier — though on different kinds of skis. In the beginning, it was all about racing fast down the slalom slopes. But once I switched to narrow skis and started at Mora Ski Gymnasium, I found the right path and discovered that cross-country skiing was my true discipline.

The past four years in Ski Classics really took my career to a new level. It has been incredibly fun and educational years with @team_robinson_trentino and @teameksjohus. I hope I’ve inspired someone to see that there are many paths to the goal, and that the most important thing is to pursue it in a way that feels fun and motivating to you. I’m proud of the path I’ve taken.

I am so incredibly grateful for all the challenges, adventures, experiences and friends for life skiing has given me. Thank you to everyone who has supported and believed in me over the years. Mother, Father and Kristian who have always supported no matter what and allowed me to go my own path, sponsors, teams, ski clubs, coaches, teammates and competitors who have inspired me and made me push limits, physios who have patched me together, employers who have given me the opportunity to invest in dual careers. Thank you.”

At the same time, she thanks everyone who helped her throughout her career. This past season, she raced for Team Eksjöhus. Previously, she joined Team Robinson Trentino in Italy — somewhat by chance. Frida comes from Leksand and has competed for IFK Mora SK for most of her active career.

All Ski Classics results from Frida Erkers can be found HERE.

Are you interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.