"Finally, walking becomes part of athletics"

Two covenants now become one. The Walking and Hiking Association is merged with the Swedish Athletics Association.

Mergers have been in the works for quite some time, and when the Walking and Walkers' Association once again voted yes on the issue – as required by the bylaws – everything became clear during Saturday's annual meeting.

"Finally, walking becomes part of athletics in Sweden as well. Without a doubt, a day of joy", says walker Perseus Karlström in a press release.

Stefan Olsson, Secretary General of the Swedish Athletics Association:

"It feels very good that we are now at the finish line," he said in the press release.

"I see that there are good opportunities for development, but I am also humbled by the fact that there are different cultures that will also work together."