The 23-year-old long-distance skiing talent from Lager 157 Ski Team received a scholarship last weekend from the Daniel Karlsson Memorial Fund.

Linnea Johansson, who competes for the Lager 157 Ski Team, was awarded the scholarship during the Fjälltopp weekend.
Daniel Karlsson tragically passed away in a snowmobile accident in 2012. On the memorial fund’s scholarship website, his family writes:

“On February 26, 2012, Daniel went out for a snowmobile ride and never came back. The Daniel Karlsson Memorial Fund was founded shortly after and supports young athletes who share Daniel’s love for sport — where it’s not primarily about results.”

“So Much Fun”

“It’s such a beautiful thing that it’s been going for 13 years now, and that they still want to support people who are like Daniel. His family is still really involved in it. After I received the award, I got to speak with his mom and some other family members. It seems like they want Daniel’s memory to live on, and it’s really nice that they have this,” Linnea told Langd.se.

“It was so much fun to receive the scholarship, and that they chose me. That really made me happy.”

No Real Breakthrough

Despite being relatively young for the long-distance scene, Linnea already has several seasons in Ski Classics under her belt. She reflects on a season that, in her view, lacked a true breakthrough. Her best results were two 12th-place finishes in the Marcialonga and Vasaloppet.

“I think the season was good overall. I’ve definitely made progress. But I don’t feel like I had any standout races. There was never a time when I was in top form and the skis were great at the same time. There was never a real breakthrough, and that’s a bit disappointing,” she says, and continues:
“But at the same time, I’ve taken steps forward and felt stronger. I’d say it was a good season with small steps of progress.”

Hoping to Continue

Now, the 23-year-old is hoping to continue with the Lager 157 Ski Team.

“It’s not completely decided yet, but I really hope to continue. I’m still motivated to keep improving,” she says in closing.

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