When the Swedish talent decided to move to the USA, many people reacted. But during her first year in college, she achieved great success across the Atlantic.

Erica Lavén has been one of the biggest Swedish young talents in recent years. Just two seasons ago, she made it to the final in the World Junior Championships sprint in Planica and won gold in the Swedish Junior Championships sprint. But before last season, she packed her bags and moved to the other side of the Atlantic, specifically to Salt Lake City.

She has just completed her first college season, which turned out to be a great success. Erica reached the podium in all 14 races, winning one of the competitions at the NCAA Championships. She also finished third at the U.S. National Championships, behind stars Jessie Diggins and Julia Kern.

“The season was so much better than I thought it could be. Once I got into the season, it was kind of a shock,” she told Langd.se and continued:

“But I think I’ve had so much fun along the way. That probably helped more than I expected. It’s been really fun to race, and it’s been a bonus that it’s gone so well, I think.”

Also Read: Two Swedish young talents leave for studies in the USA

Do you feel you made the right decision moving to the USA?

“Yes, I don’t regret it one bit.”

Individual win at the College Championships

There are a few races that Erica Lavén remembers particularly well, especially her individual victory at the NCAA Championships.

“To go there and compete in the first race and win individually – it was so much fun skiing that course because there were so many people around. You know everyone standing there, but everyone still cheers for you even if they’re from other colleges. The atmosphere around it was just so darn fun to race in,” she says and continues:

“In terms of performance, probably just making it to the finish of the 40-kilometer race at the last event. Man, I struggled.”

Becoming more confident

After four years at the ski high school in Mora and now one year in college, Erica feels she has developed on many levels – not just as a skier.

“Now I have a bit more self-confidence in knowing what I need in training and in life to feel good. I think that gradually came even at the end of high school. But being confident that skiing means a lot to me, and at the same time knowing that my well-being is what matters most,” she says and continues:

“When I feel good, I also really enjoy skiing. And then I ski faster too. That’s probably what I’ve learned the most lately.”

Read More: Move to the USA – “I think I will be forgotten”

Taking one year at a time

Her business degree will be finished in three years, but it’s still unclear whether Erica will stay all four years in college.

“My plan now is to take it year by year and see how I feel. Right now, I want to do at least one more year, but you never know what might happen. Things can come up.”

To be in contention for spots on the national team in the future, she believes she would need to be based in Sweden.

“I’m still pursuing my career, just not on that extra level needed to make it to the A-team. I know that’s hard to do while being over there. But right now, I feel like at least one more year. Then I’ll see and reevaluate next summer.”

Also Read: Swedish success in the USA – The talent continues to impress

Couldn’t be selected for U23 World Championships

Despite her strong results in the U.S., Lavén wasn’t eligible for selection to the U23 World Championships, due to the national team’s selection rules.

“That’s tough. It’s not a standardized sport. So, you can’t really compare results when you’re racing on different courses against different people. Of course, I had hoped it would work out. But I understand why it didn’t.”

Next season, it may be possible that she returns to Sweden to race in selection events.

“That’s also been a thought, whether I should come home during the winter to race here. But it depends on the travel schedule. It’s pretty exhausting to travel to Sweden. And then trying to get in shape with the time difference and everything,” she explains.

In the future, the 21-year-old hopes to make the A-team and eventually fight for spots at major championships.

“My goal is to go as far as I can in skiing. I mean, the A-team is always a great opportunity if you make it there – to get to race in the World Cup and such. That’s the first goal. And of course, the Olympics and World Championships are on my mind. It would be a dream to get there and fight for medals,” she concludes.

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