Swedes optimistic about the country’s largest delegation to winter games
Sweden’s Ambassador to China Helena S? Ngeland during an exclusive interview with Global Times Photo: Li Hao / GT
Editor’s note:
The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing are in full swing, and among some of the strongest challengers to the top board is the Swedish delegation, which has the full support of its compatriots back home and a large international fan base. In a recent exclusive interview with Global Times (GT) reporter Lin Xiaoyi, Sweden’s ambassador to China, Helena Sångeland (Sångeland) said that she is full of anticipation for the Winter Olympics in Beijing and notes that Sweden’s delegation to games has the country’s largest line- up in its history. In the interview, Sångeland reminded of the long and deep cooperation between Sweden and China in the preparations for the games and to develop snow and ice sports, and expected that Swedish athletes’ excellent performance in Beijing will be an example for many young athletes.
GT: What are your expectations for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics?
Sångeland: I am completely confident of the Swedish team in the Winter Olympics in Beijing. We have sent a historically large team to Beijing.
I have visited the various Olympic venues in Beijing, Shougang Park, Yanqing District and neighboring Zhangjiakou in Hebei Province; the three zones are within a reasonable distance from each other, which makes transportation much easier. The facilities and the Olympic-related infrastructure seem to be very good.
The Winter Olympics in Beijing 2022 have also led to more opportunities to deepen cooperation between Sweden and China. Swedish companies and experts have long been actively involved in the construction of the premises and the preparations for the event. The snow cannons and water pumps used to generate snow in, for example, Yanqing and Chongli are made in Sweden. A Swedish team from Åre is also responsible for the creation and maintenance of the slopes in Yanqing. They have been here for the past three winters and built them in collaboration with their Chinese colleagues. Sweden has extensive experience of hosting major snow and ice sports events. I believe that with this collaboration, the quality of the snow and track will be high and perform consistently.
We have also been told that a Chinese delegation in preparation for the 2022 Winter Olympics visited Mid Sweden University and their Sports Tech Research Center to learn more about Sweden’s work in sports science.
GT: Sweden is considered one of the global winter sports’ powerhouse. How would you describe the people’s passion for winter sports in Sweden?
Sångeland : Due to natural conditions and our geographical location, our winter is long, which provides a good opportunity to practice winter sports outdoors. In February, for example, we have a week called sports holiday, for families to engage in snow sports activities with their children. Most Swedes like cross-country skiing and ice skating, which we like to do on frozen lakes and at sea.
Sweden has a long history of winter sports. Many sports have evolved from a way for humans to survive the long winters. Winter sports are deeply rooted in the blood of today’s Swedes.
GT: In the area of winter sports, how have Sweden and China engaged in cooperation and exchange?
Sångeland: Sweden and China have a long history of cooperation and exchange in the development of ice and snow sports. For example, the Vasaloppet Kina has been held in Changchun, northeastern China’s Jilin Province, for the past 20 years, which is a large-scale race in Sweden with a 100-year history, with increased Chinese participation over the years. The last competition was held in early January.
The Chinese national curling team has a Swedish coach, Peja Lindholm, who is considered one of the best European jumps of all time. The Chinese ski jumping and freestyle teams have been on training trips to Sweden. And there have also been some collaborations in ice hockey over the years. Many young players from both countries have had the chance to train and play together, both in Sweden and in China.
On the other hand, we have had some Swedish athletes play for professional leagues in China, for example Emma Nordin, the forward in the Swedish national hockey team and a KRS Vanke Rays player in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, has started his fourth Olympic tournament in Beijing .
GT: At the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang 2018, Sweden won 14 medals, including seven golds, making it your country’s best Winter Olympics ever. Are there any new goals for the Swedish delegation this year?
Sångeland : Swedes have very high hopes that our athletes this year will surpass our previous record from the Winter Games in Pyeongchang 2018, both in the Olympics and Paralympics. If we make more breakthroughs, I think it can serve as inspiration for young athletes who can strive to be as good as the Swedish athletes have been at the Winter Games in Beijing 2022.