Embarking on a journey to Sweden after facing rejection from the U.S. National Team, a traditional cross-country skier is preparing to kickstart the upcoming season with a personal training program.

Having dedicated several years to the national team, participating in three World Championships and the 2022 Winter Olympics, as well as completing 92 World Cup races, the 30-year-old athlete’s time with the National Team has ended.

Kevin Bolger, now moving from the United States to Sweden, is taking matters into his own hands to accelerate his career. Since the 2021 World Championships in Oberstdorf, he has been in a relationship with Swedish cross-country ski star Maja Dahlqvist. Although they could spend ample time together, even during the race season, circumstances have changed. Dahlqvist, previously out of the Swedish National Team, has regained her place for the upcoming season, while Bolger has lost his position on the U.S. National Team.

Also Read: Swedish cross-country skiing teams for the season 2023/2024

After his tenure on the American A National Team, Bolger did not receive the renewed trust of the national team for the forthcoming season. He wasn’t even offered a place in the B team.

“That’s correct. I’m completely out,” states Bolger in an interview with Aftonbladet.

Bolger admits his disappointment but acknowledges that it wasn’t entirely unexpected:

“Considering I had a challenging season plagued by various illnesses, it wasn’t entirely unexpected, but naturally, I’m disappointed. At the same time, it is a good chance to restart something new.”

A Fresh Start in Sweden

Bolger is restarting his career in Sweden, particularly in Falun.

“I’ll spend the summer in Sweden, training in Falun with Maja and DSA (Dala Sports Academy). I’ve also started collaborating with a new coach from Norway, so there will also be a few trips to Trondheim. Then, it’s all about intense training until the season begins,” reveals Kevin Bolger.

Furthermore, Bolger and Dahlqvist are actively seeking a house in Falun. “Things are progressing on that front,” concludes Bolger.

Kevin Bolger

Hailing from Minocqua, Wisconsin, Kevin Bolger is a 30-year-old cross-country skier. His best World Cup achievement was a sixth-place finish during the sprint race in Dresden in December 2020. At the 2022 Winter Olympics, he anchored the relay team, which secured ninth place. During the World Championships, his most notable result was 18th place in the sprint event at the 2019 edition in Seefeld, Austria.