In connection with the Swedish premiere in Bruksvallarna in November, several riders reacted to the low price sums.
The winner received, for example, SEK 1,500.
It created an insight that the financial gap in the national ski team.
Big stars like Frida Karlsson, Maja Dahlqvist and Ebba Andersson make a good living from their sport.
Others have to struggle to cope with everyday life.
- Without my parents, I wouldn't be standing here, said Leo Johansson, who lives on SEK 7,000 a month.
This has caused Frida Karlsson and Maja Dahlqvist to react.
That's why they contribute their own money, which will go to prizes and prize money, in connection with the Copper Skiing in Falun on January 13-15 – a competition that is expected to attract several top skiers who do not participate in the Tour de ski.
"Not financially sustainable"
A sponsor to the organizing Falun-Borlänge SK then doubles the ski profiles' financial contribution.
The total price sum is estimated to be between SEK 130,000 and 150,000.
- Now it is not financially sustainable to keep skiing, unless you are at the very top in Sweden.
We want to help people realize this and we do it sustainably.
Now we hope that more people will be inspired to do the same, says Karlsson.
Now Karlsson and Dahlqvist fear that the future of the sport may be threatened if more elite skiers cannot make a living from their sport.
- It will not be as interesting to bet on skis.
The talents will be attracted to football.
There is money there.
To the hockey.
There is money there.
I think skiing is popular.
It should therefore be interesting for sponsors.
We should make it happen financially, says Karlsson.
The duo also say that they are prepared to lower their compensation so that more money can go to the riders at a slightly lower level.
CLIP: Frida Karlsson third in Beitostölen (December 10, 2022)
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Frida Karlsson third - but missed the podium: "Very cold" Photo: Bildbyrån