Swedish women's success in cross-country skiing is inspiring more girls to take up the sport, as reflected in rising participation rates among young girls.
Recent achievements by the Swedish women's cross-country skiing team, especially during the Olympics, have sparked a significant increase in young girls participating in the sport. According to the Swedish Ski Federation, girls aged 13 and 14 outnumber their male counterparts in national competitions held last season. This trend illustrates the powerful impact of role models in sports, with coaches like Ida Thunberg emphasizing the importance of inspiration for young athletes.
The increase in participation among girls is occurring amidst a competitive sports landscape for youth, where various activities vie for attention. Despite this competition, the visibility of ski stars and favorable conditions like snow across many regions have boosted the popularity of cross-country skiing. In Stockvik, for example, around 20 young children train in the 9-10 age group, showcasing a thriving interest in the sport among younger girls, as highlighted by talented young athletes like Julie Normark.
However, as girls grow older, a trend similar to other sports emerges, where the number of participating girls begins to decline, especially by the ages of 15 and 16. The ski federation notes that competitions tend to be dominated by boys in that age group. Nevertheless, the girls currently involved in ski training in Stockvik express a strong commitment to continue, indicating a desire to defy common trends and maintain their participation in cross-country skiing.
