Sweden's rising star Marcus Hellner... ©Heinz Ruckemann
Swedish Team during their visit to WOP in April:Back row (l-r): Robin Bryntesson, Emil Jönsson, Daniel Ricksardsson, Marcus Hellner; kneeling (l-r): Charlotte Kalla, Anna Haag, Britta Norgren, Anna Olsson, Lina Andersson ©Heinz Ruckemann
Sweden's Marcus Hellner at Whistler Olympic Park in April 2009. ©Heinz Ruckemann
Born on Nov. 25, 1985, Hellner began competing in 2003, and enjoyed a strong junior career. He won a bronze at the World Championships in 2007 at Sapporo, and this past winter, he experienced and enjoyed a high point in his career. In December, the friendly Hellner won his first-ever World Cup race on the home snows of Gallivare. As such, Hellner has aroused expectations of greatness in Sweden.
As he matures as an athlete, he gets stronger, and with continued international experience, he may rank as one of his nation’s sport heroes. We interviewed Hellner recently and he spoke of his own progress, Charlotte Kalla, the legacy of Gunde Svan and of his enjoyment of a nice sauna in winter.
You had a good season last winter winning your first event in Gallivare. It must have been a wonderful moment in your career.
Marcus Hellner: It was a dream come true – my first victory in my hometown. Awesome!
How has last season changed your plans for this 2010 Olympic season?
MH: Because of the good results, I have higher goals and maybe more motivation and self-esteem.
What are your goals now?
MH: The Olympics – to have a top result in the 15km skate.
Certainly, Charlotte Kalla had a great season too. What do you predict for her in the future?
MH: She has the capacity to be a top skier for many years if she is healthy and has the motivation.
Tell us how you got started in skiing.
MH: I come from a “skiing family,” and I thought it was fun to ski when I was young. It’s always been natural for me to ski. I like the feeling of going fast on snow.
Who are your current trainers?
MH: Joakim Abrahmsson.
Sweden has such great tradition in skiing. How does it feel to be part of it?
MH: I don’t think about it so much, but of course it’s nice.
Who were your heroes growing up?
MH: Didn’t have a big “hero,” but I always looked up to people with great will and high goals.
Where were you born and where do you live now?
MH: I was born in Lerdala, living in Gällivare now.
Gunde Svan helped bring back Swedish dominance in skiing and he worked with the national team recently as well. What are your impressions Svan’s role in Swedish skiing?
MH: He’s a big name and was a great skier. He worked for two years as the director of the national team and also achieved some good things for the Swedish Ski Federation.
Have you done Sweden’s famous Vasa Loppett and do they still have blueberry soup?
MH: Not yet and yes, they still have blueberry soup.
What’s the best part of skiing for you?
MH: In skating, when you are in great shape and when it feels like you’re just flying forward on the snow.
Are there still areas that you would like to improve in?
MH: My classic technique, I’m working a lot in that area.
What equipment do you ski on?
MH: Fisher skis, Exel poles, Salomon boots, Lill-Sport gloves.
Aside from skiing, what’s a perfect day for you?
MH: A nice fishing trip with my friends!
What living person(s) do you most admire?
MH: My teammates.
Answer this for us . . . if I wasn’t a ski racer, I would probably be . . . .
MH: A student.
What do you think your greatest achievement is so far?
MH: To have reached this level in skiing, it’s a dream coming true!
OK, so what are you listening to these days on your iPod?
MH: Neil Young.
What is your favourite movie of all time?
MH: Donnie Darko.
What is your favourite meal?
MH: Lasagna. Italian-style.
I love taking saunas and have a wood-fired one at home…do you also like them?
MH: On a cold winter day, after training in -25° degrees, a sauna is always very welcome! I have one in my home as well.
What are your thoughts on the progress of cross-country skiing in the U.S.A. and Canada?
MH: They are getting better and better, especially in sprints – good for you!
Thank you for taking time to talk with us – all the best and we look forward to seeing you in Vancouver.
MH: Thank you.