Future Vision for Falun: "Imagine having a zipline from here"
Swedish ski officials see the upcoming Ski World Championships in Falun as a chance to elevate the town's profile in winter sports.
As the Winter Olympics conclude, the town of Falun is gearing up for next year's Ski World Championships, with hopes of showcasing its ski jumping hill as a central feature. Pernilla Bonde, the secretary-general of the Swedish Ski Association, expressed excitement over the potential of the venue, highlighting its steepness and view from the tower. The event aims to capitalize on Sweden's strong performance in cross-country skiing, especially among women, following a successful Olympics where the country won ten medals.
However, there are challenges facing Swedish skiing, particularly in ski jumping and Nordic combined, where options are limited. While Frida Westman has shown promise in ski jumping, experts point out she is currently the only Swede competing at a world-class level. The implications of the upcoming championships are significant as they may represent Sweden's last hosting opportunity for a long time unless the sport garners renewed interest and investment in both ski jumping and Nordic combined disciplines.
The International Ski Federation is expected to impose stricter requirements on host nations in the future, raising concerns about Sweden's capability to host world championships later in the 2030s and 2040s. To maintain a competitive presence on the international stage, Sweden will need to foster activity and enthusiasm in these sports, making the Ski World Championships in Falun a pivotal moment for the country's winter sports future.