He was at the top for a winter. Won two Olympic gold medals and the sprint World Cup in 2006. But where did he go after his career?

Well, he disappeared to China and is probably one of Sweden’s most anonymous Olympic skiing heroes today. Many surely remember Björn Lind’s famous “finish leap” with one ski in the air and arms raised. Especially from those Olympic days in the small mountain village of Pragelato below Sestriere during the Winter Olympics 2006. Twice he made the winning gesture and stood at the top of the podium.

Additionally, he was the best sprinter of the winter and won the sprint World Cup.

He continued racing until after the 2010 season, but his big year in his career was the winter of 2005/2006.

What happened next?

But has anyone heard about Björn Lind after his career?

He has “disappeared” from the media scene, is rarely seen at ski races, and people don’t turn their heads when they meet the double Olympic gold medalist on the street.

“It was somewhat intentional that I kept a low profile,” says the now 46-year-old Olympic Champion.

“I started working with Nordic Ways, which organizes sports competitions in China, including Vasaloppet China, cycling races, and running races,” says Björn Lind to Langd.se.

“In the beginning, I stayed for long periods in China, was there almost all the time. I don’t know how many trips back and forth to China there have been, but it’s many. Now I don’t travel as much, and in the long run, I will probably settle at home outside Åkersberga where we have built a house.”

Works with Vasaloppet in China

Björn helps with everything possible during sports competitions in China and is usually based in Changchun, an 8-million city about an hour’s flight north of Beijing.

The Vasaloppet China attracts several foreigners to the country in the east every year.

“The race is getting better and better, and the number of Chinese participants is increasing. But the biggest development is in cycling. We organize a Grand Fondo race over five days with about 1,200 participants in all stages. The race goes up to 3,000 meters in altitude in Yunnan Province in southern China.”

“We recently had a competition with both marathon and cycling in Inner Mongolia. However, I was not involved in the Olympics in China. I came home just before the pandemic and then it was good to be home because there was a lot of quarantine and difficulties for those who traveled to China.”

Feels Best in Roslagen

“I haven’t been to China since last winter, this summer I’ve been painting together with a friend who has a painting company here in Roslagen. Additionally, I am a co-owner of a company that deals with road marking and similar,” says Björn Lind, who still works with Nordic Ways and China, albeit not as much as before.

And despite the great successes at the Olympics and in the World Cup, he walks the streets at home in Sweden unrecognized.

“It’s good that no one recognizes me. I like that.”

Instead, he enjoys being with his wife and new house near his old home areas. Björn comes from Riala in Roslagen and despite a career with travels around the World, Olympic golds, and work in China, this is where he feels best.

Preferably with the dog, out hunting, or in nature. Or on the bike, Björn is an enthusiastic hobby cyclist.

He doesn’t need to be seen in newspapers or online every day.

BJÖRN LIND

• Born/Age: 1978/46 years old
• Lives: Österåker
• Occupation: Sports Director + various jobs :=)
• Family: Wife + dog
• Clubs: Roslagslänna IF, Bergeforsen, Hudiksvall, IFK Umeå
• Ended Career: 2011
• My Best Memory from my Career: Olympic Gold in 2006, also the first Olympics in 2002 Salt Lake City. Peter Larsson and I went to watch the hockey game Sweden-Belarus after our competition. Many wonderful memories from that Olympics, even if that game wasn’t purely positive.
• What I Miss from my Active Career: Sometimes I miss the clarity and simplicity of having such clear, concrete goals. That took precedence over everything else in life.
• How I Follow Sports Today: Of course, I follow it via the TV. And I keep up with youth skiing thanks to nieces and nephews who compete.
• My Hobbies Today: Cycling, following professional cycling on TV and in person when time permits. Otherwise, it’s dogs, hunting, house building, and my wife.

Björn Lind’s Achievements

• Olympic gold in sprint, Pragelato/Turin 2006
• Olympic gold in team sprint (with Thobias Fredriksson), Pragelato/Turin 2006
• Winner of the Sprint World Cup 2006

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