Frida Karlsson’s life has been turned upside down after a stalking nightmare. Now she tells how her sense of safety – and freedom – was taken from her.

The stalking nightmare continues for Frida Karlsson. After the trial in which a man in his 60s was convicted of unlawful persecution (stalking), the Swedish ski star has had to move to a secret address. Now, the 26-year-old shares how the stalking has affected her life.

“I can feel that, subconsciously, I’ve been very affected. I seek security in many people,” Karlsson tells Expressen.

The man, in his mid-60s, was convicted this spring of unlawful persecution. On several occasions, he followed Karlsson, approached her both at home, in training, and during competitions. He also sent her over 200 text messages, stored more than 7,300 photos of Karlsson on his phone, and suggested that the two should have children together.

In early April, the verdict was delivered. The maximum penalty for the offenses is up to four years in prison and a fine of 50,000 kronor. The district court sentenced him to a suspended prison sentence and ordered him to pay 40,000 kronor to Frida Karlsson.

Afraid to be alone

Both the trial and the stalking itself have had a profound impact on Karlsson. She has become more anxious, had to move to a secret address, and has been given a protected identity. She admits that these measures have changed her and taken away her sense of freedom.

“I grew up in a safe environment, quite sheltered, you could say. We never locked the car or the house at home. I was just a naive and trusting girl from little Sollefteå,” says Karlsson.

“But now… It’s like someone has crawled into my little protective barrier.”

The Swedish ski star says it was even worse at the height of the stalking. She jumped in fear every time the doorbell rang.

At times, she hasn’t dared to stay at home by herself. Instead, Karlsson has stayed with her national team friend Linn Svahn.

“That happened many times. I sort of have my own room there. That’s probably the only positive thing about all of this,” says Karlsson.

Not the only one

Karlsson is not the only ski star whose life has been entirely changed by stalking.

Recently, German biathlon star Magdalena Neuner shared how she was pursued by a “stalker” who harassed her for years during her active career. It ended dramatically for both of them.

Read More – Biathlon star reveals harrowing details: “He took his own life”

That is precisely why Karlsson is glad she took her case to court. Now she hopes it can help others.

“It feels right that we chose to go all the way. I’ve done what I could, said my part in court, and brought attention to the issue. Because there really are many others who are affected by this,” says Karlsson.

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