On the women’s side, Sweden is reaping great success in cross-country skiing. Eleven WC medals in 2023, four Olympic medals in 2022 and the majority of podium places during last season’s World Cup are numbers that impress.
But on the men’s side, it is considerably heavier.
When William Poromaa won a World Cup bronze in the five mile last year, it was Sweden’s first World Cup medal on the men’s side since 2017. In addition, Edvin Angers’ two podium places in the World Cup were enough to become the best male Swede last season.
– It is bad, I think, that two podium places should be enough to be the one who takes the most podium places on the men’s side, says Anger and notes:
– It has been heavy.
Facts. The Swedish cross-country men’s medal drought
2023, VM i Planica: A bronze.
2022, OS i Peking: No medals.
2021, VM i Oberstdorf: No medals.
2019, VM i Seefeld: No medals.
2018, OS i Pyeongchang: No medals.
2017, WC i Lahtis: A bronze in the relay.
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Although no one else Swedish man was better last season, Anger believes that he had significantly more in him.
– It was far from what I felt I could do and what I had in my body. There were two podium places and you have to take that with you, but it feels like there was more to give.
Edvin Anger, 22, took the first two individual podiums of his career last season. Photo: Maxim Thoré/Bildbyrån
But William Poromaas World Bronze 2023 is a positive change in the otherwise gloomy Swedish trend. Poromaa himself remembers that bronze day with joy.
– It was a really fun day. Everything worked, I had good shape and good skis. I hope to take the feeling I had then and there to make something good out of it during the WC in Trondheim.
Is there anything concrete you can take with you?
– Just having been in the situation before, above all. That’s what you can take with you, the mental part, he says and continues:
– Then it is clear that it is a bit of a security to know that you can be up there. To feel that you know what is required and what work you need to put in to stand there.
William Poromaa, 23, broke a long Swedish medal drought on the men’s side when he took WC bronze last year. Photo: Johanna Säll/Bildbyrån
Both William Poromaa and Edvin Anger are clear hopes for the future for Sweden when it comes to cross-country skiing on the men’s side. And they are both convinced that the dismal earnings trend will soon reverse.
– It feels promising. We have many good skaters, not least Edvin (Anger). I believe and hope that it will be a good season this year, says Poromaa.
Indicates shares that image.
– I don’t think it will be like this in the future. If you want to be the one who takes the most podium places this year, two will not be enough, I think more will be required, he says and elaborates:
– We have more people coming from below and I’m starting to grow into the role even more. If I take one more step, I know there will be more than two podiums.
“I have never before been so strong on roller skis,” says Edvin Anger. Photo: Ole Martin Wold/TT
He also tells that this year he has had an incredible training summer.
– I have run faster than I have ever done and I have never before been so strong on roller skis.
It sounds like you’re in the shape of your life?
– So, as good as I was this summer, I have never been before. In summer form. It says a little, about capacity and such, says Edvin Anger.
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Sweden’s Cross-Country Skiing: A Tale of Two Teams
Ah, Sweden! Known for its picturesque landscapes, meatballs, and—surprisingly—its cross-country skiing prowess. On the women’s side, it’s been a veritable gold rush! Eleven medals at the World Championships in 2023, four shiny Olympic medallions from 2022. Honestly, if the Swedish women were a film, they’d be winning all the awards—like “The Best Picture” at the Oscars, and here comes the plot twist: the men’s team? Well, let’s say they’re currently stuck in the plot of a tragicomedy!
Now, let’s turn our attention to the chaps. The men’s team has been experiencing something akin to a “frozen in time” situation. When William Poromaa secured a bronze medal in the five-mile at the World Cup last year, you could almost hear the crowd mumbling, “Ah, finally!” I mean, a bronze! The first for Sweden’s men since 2017! It’s like winning a Nintendo in the 90s—everyone wanted one, but very few got it!
Edvin Anger, bless him, managed to nab two podium spots in the last season. Yet, to be dubbed the best of the Swedish men’s team while sitting on just two podiums feels a bit like getting an award for “Best Supporting Actor” in your own living room. “Bad,” says Anger, “it feels a bit heavy.” Well, Edvin, I think we all feel that weight during a particularly indulgent Christmas dinner!
Facts: The Swedish Cross-Country Men’s Medal Drought
- 2023, VM i Planica: A bronze.
- 2022, OS i Peking: No medals.
- 2021, VM i Oberstdorf: No medals.
- 2019, VM i Seefeld: No medals.
- 2018, OS i Pyeongchang: No medals.
- 2017, WC i Lahtis: A bronze in the relay.
Now, while Anger believes there’s more to give, it feels a bit like a classic rom-com scenario—one man’s hope is another’s headache. “Far from what I felt I could do,” he muses. Well, Edvin, I think many people feel that way about Mondays—potential is high, yet results are often dismal!
William Poromaa’s bronze last year has sparked some optimism amidst this long drought of medals. “It was a fun day. Everything worked, good shape, good skis,” he recalls. Quite the contrast from my own experience with skis—I once attempted downhill skiing and came out more like a downward-spiral meme than an athlete!
As for mental preparation, Poromaa spoke of the importance of experience. Having previously stood on that podium, he’s got a better idea of what’s needed—kind of like how I know not to attempt karaoke after 10 PM. “Security in knowing what is required,” he said. Absolutely, William, just like knowing exactly how many drinks you can handle before it’s time to call an Uber!
Both Poromaa and Anger are considered the torchbearers for the men’s team. They’re positive about the future, suggesting that the upcoming season might not hold two podiums as the benchmark—it seems they’re setting their sights higher. “We have many good skaters,” Poromaa asserts. Well, if only you could share some tips with your Swedish counterparts in men’s football, eh?
Anger, exuding confidence, mentions his exceptional summer training, stating, “I have run faster than ever.” Fantastic, Edvin! But let’s just say if running faster meant actually catching the ice cream truck, I’m afraid we’d still be left at the starting line!
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the takeaway? Sweden’s ladies are sprinting ahead while the men are picking up the pieces—but there’s hope on the horizon! With the promising duo of Poromaa and Anger, perhaps it’s merely a matter of time before the men’s team joins their female counterparts atop the podium. Until then, let’s keep our fingers crossed, calves stretched, and hope that they don’t just settle for the “Best Supporting Actor” role next season!
On the women’s side, Sweden is reaping great success in cross-country skiing, showcasing an impressive dominance that is hard to overlook. The nation celebrated an astounding eleven World Championship medals in 2023 and garnered four Olympic medals in the 2022 Winter Games. Furthermore, they secured the majority of podium finishes throughout last season’s World Cup, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the sport.
However, the situation paints a contrasting picture for the men’s team, which is facing a significant uphill battle.
When William Poromaa claimed a World Cup bronze in the grueling five-mile event last year, it marked a historic moment for Sweden, as it was the first World Cup medal for the Swedish men since 2017. Additionally, Edvin Anger’s impressive two podium finishes in the World Cup last season crowned him as the top-performing male skier from Sweden.
– It is bad, I think, that two podium places should be enough to be the one who takes the most podium places on the men’s side, says Anger and notes:
– It has been heavy.
Facts. The Swedish cross-country men’s medal drought
2023, VM i Planica: A bronze.
2022, OS i Peking: No medals.
2021, VM i Oberstdorf: No medals.
2019, VM i Seefeld: No medals.
2018, OS i Pyeongchang: No medals.
2017, WC i Lahtis: A bronze in the relay.
Although no one else Swedish man was better last season, Anger believes that he had significantly more in him. He expressed his disappointment, stating, – It was far from what I felt I could do and what I had in my body. There were two podium places, and you have to take that with you, but it feels like there was more to give.
William Poromaa’s 2023 World Bronze is a beacon of hope amidst the otherwise gloomy Swedish trend in men’s cross-country skiing. Reminiscing about that extraordinary day, Poromaa shares, – It was a really fun day. Everything worked, I had good shape and good skis. I hope to take the feeling I had then and there to make something good out of it during the WC in Trondheim.
Is there anything concrete you can take with you?
– Just having been in the situation before, above all. That’s what you can take with you, the mental part, he says and continues:
– Then it is clear that it is a bit of a security to know that you can be up there. To feel that you know what is required and what work you need to put in to stand there.
Both William Poromaa and Edvin Anger are considered promising hopes for the future of Sweden’s men’s cross-country skiing. They are both optimistic about the potential for a turnaround in results. – It feels promising. We have many good skaters, not least Edvin (Anger). I believe and hope that it will be a good season this year, says Poromaa.
Indicating his agreement, Anger adds, – I don’t think it will be like this in the future. If you want to be the one who takes the most podium places this year, two will not be enough, I think more will be required, he elaborates:
– We have more people coming from below, and I’m starting to grow into the role even more. If I take one more step, I know there will be more than two podiums.
He also tells that this year he has had an incredible training summer. – I have run faster than I have ever done and I have never before been so strong on roller skis.
It sounds like you’re in the shape of your life?
– So, as good as I was this summer, I have never been before. In summer form. It says a little about capacity and such, says Edvin Anger.
Dinary day, Poromaa reflected, “It was a fun day. Everything worked, good shape, good skis.” His experience on the podium may well serve as a crucial foundation for his confidence going into future competitions.
Poromaa and Anger represent a new wave of talent and determination for the Swedish men’s team, a shift away from the unfortunate drought of medals that has plagued the squad for several seasons. Both athletes have set their aspirations high, indicating that two podium finishes are merely a stepping stone rather than the ultimate goal. Poromaa states, “We have many good skaters,” indicating a sense of optimism about the depth of talent available in the team.
Anger, exuding newfound confidence, shared his insights about his remarkable summer training, claiming, “I have run faster than ever.” While this enthusiasm is promising, one can only hope it translates into performance when it truly matters during the competitive season.
the Swedish women’s cross-country skiing team continues to thrive, while the men’s team is in the midst of a rebuilding phase. However, with talents like Poromaa and Anger leading the charge, the men’s team could very well emerge from the shadows and make a mark in upcoming competitions. Until then, fans remain hopeful, cheering for a resurgence that is long overdue.