Cancellation of Idre Mogul World Cup Event Threatens Swedish Olympic Dreams
Idre Fjäll cancels key World Cup mogul skiing event due to economic reasons, threatening Swedish athletes' Olympic qualification hopes.
- • Idre Fjäll cancels December mogul skiing World Cup event citing economic and resource concerns.
- • Swedish national team member Robin Olgård worries about Olympic qualification chances.
- • Cancellation risks Sweden losing an additional World Cup spot, intensifying athlete competition.
- • The Swedish Ski Federation seeks alternative venues or self-organization of the event to support athletes.
Key details
Idre Fjäll has announced the cancellation of the World Cup mogul skiing event originally scheduled for December 12-14, citing economic pressures and the need to prioritize resources, according to Calle Enarsson, the CEO of Idre Fjäll. This tough decision also affects skicross events planned for March, meaning Idre Fjäll will host no World Cup competitions this season. The cancellation has sparked serious concern among Swedish athletes, particularly 21-year-old national team member Robin Olgård, who warned that losing this event could jeopardize his World Cup spot and chances to qualify for the upcoming Olympics. Olgård highlighted the risk that the Swedish team could lose an additional World Cup spot, intensifying competition among six male skiers competing for just five places. Robert Hansson, the mogul skiing sport chief at the Swedish Ski Federation, expressed disappointment but remains hopeful about finding an alternative venue. Pernilla Bonde, Secretary General of the Ski Federation, is actively exploring solutions such as another ski resort stepping in or the Federation taking on the event's organization themselves. Bonde emphasized the Federation’s responsibility to athletes and the International Ski Federation, noting the importance of maintaining competitions crucial for Olympic qualification. These cancellations present significant challenges for Swedish athletes aiming to secure their Olympic berths, underscoring the financial and competitive implications of event cancellations in this crucial qualification period.