Feb 16 • 05:11 UTC 🇸🇪 Sweden Dagens Nyheter

Johan Esk: Alvar Myhlback is handled as poorly as young Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The article criticizes the handling of young Swedish ski talent Alvar Myhlback, comparing his experience to that of football star Zlatan Ibrahimovic in his early career.

In this commentary for Dagens Nyheter, Johan Esk expresses concern over the treatment of Alvar Myhlback, a promising 19-year-old skier who should have remained with the Olympic team to gain experience during the games. Esk draws a parallel to how famous footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic was treated in his youth, suggesting that Myhlback's potential is not being properly nurtured by the Swedish skiing authorities.

The piece also highlights the poor performance of the Swedish men's cross-country skiing team at the Olympics, hinting that a strategic plan for training and competition could have positioned Myhlback as a medal contender in the upcoming 50 km race. Esk argues that keeping young talents in the competitive environment of the Olympics is crucial for their development, and the decision to pull Myhlback from such an opportunity reflects poor leadership.

Finally, Esk notes that due to the inadequate support from the ski leadership, Myhlback has chosen to spend time in Norway instead of Italy, indicating a lack of faith in the system and suggesting that a more nurturing approach is needed for young athletes to flourish. This commentary asserts that the current management of young talent in Swedish skiing could lead to significant missed opportunities in the future.

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