“It’s very significant. We have eight skiers on the women’s team, and all are world-class athletes. The strength of that should not be underestimated,” says Swedish national team manager Anders Byström.

Yesterday, the Swedish national cross-country ski teams were presented. The big question until the release was whether Maja Dahlqvist, Frida Karlsson, and Linn Svahn would return. The answer was what national team manager Anders Byström had hoped for.

What adjustments have you made to accommodate the changes the trio wanted a year ago?

“The adjustments that have been made have been small. It has been more about listening. We have had a dialogue where they and their personal coaches have been involved in the process. In that way, we include everyone, which is important because there is a lot of knowledge, both among the skiers, their personal coaches, and our national team coaches,” says Byström.

What does having the trio back in the national team already during pre-season training mean?

“It is very significant. They have special qualities that raise the level of every session they participate in. I think that is important for all the girls on the team. We are eight skiers on the women’s team, and all are world-class athletes. The strength of that should not be underestimated,” says Byström.

On the men’s side, winter’s breakthrough Edvin Anger steps into the A national team. In addition, Johan Häggström is back to the A team. Out, however, is Oskar Svensson, who had a troubled season. Svensson is also out of Team Bauhaus:

“Oskar did not want that place. He wants to do the work on his own; then, he gets greater flexibility. I think Oskar can be greatly inspired by how Johan Häggström tackled the same situation a year ago,” concluded Byström. 

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