A Rising Star in Telemark Skiing: Alvin Noaksson’s Unexpected Journey
Alvin Noaksson, a young Swedish athlete, has dabbled in various sports throughout his life, including track and field, gymnastics, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and freeskiing. However, it’s in the relatively obscure sport of telemark skiing that he’s truly found his niche, rapidly ascending to become Sweden’s most promising talent. This meteoric rise has even surprised Noaksson himself, who admits to feeling a sense of disbelief at his rapid progress. While he views his achievements as "normal," the accolades and attention from others have underscored the remarkable speed of his ascent within the sport.
Telemark skiing, a unique discipline under the International Ski Federation (FIS), distinguishes itself through its specialized equipment and technique. Unlike traditional alpine skiing, telemark skiers utilize boots bound only at the toes, leaving the heel free. This "free-heel" technique demands greater balance and control, adding a distinct challenge to the sport. Competition formats include classic, classic sprint, and parallel sprint, all incorporating elements of giant slalom, jumps, a banked velodrome-style turn, and skating sections, demanding versatility and technical prowess from competitors.
Noaksson’s journey into telemark began almost accidentally. Having occasionally participated in the sport during his childhood, he entered his first competition in the winter of 2022, a decision he describes as unplanned. This seemingly spontaneous participation sparked an unexpected passion and ignited a serious pursuit of the sport. That initial competition proved to be a resounding success, laying the foundation for his subsequent achievements. From this unexpected beginning, Noaksson’s trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable.
In a remarkably short time, Noaksson has amassed an impressive competitive record, including two Junior World Championship medals and noteworthy World Cup placements. His silver medal at the Junior World Championships marked Sweden’s first in the sport in a decade, further highlighting his exceptional talent and potential. Ironically, Noaksson had never seriously considered alpine skiing as a competitive pursuit, viewing it more as a recreational weekend activity. The path to telemark was paved by the simple fact that it was the equipment readily available at home, a circumstance he credits with launching his career. Having outgrown his snowboard, he transitioned to the available telemark skis, a seemingly fortuitous accident that has propelled him to national prominence.
Noaksson’s diverse sporting background has provided a solid foundation for his success in telemark skiing. He believes this cross-training has enhanced his overall athleticism, coordination, and adaptability, essential qualities for navigating the technical demands of the sport. This multi-disciplinary approach has honed his skills and provided a unique edge in competition. He acknowledges the serendipitous nature of his entry into telemark, emphasizing the "chance" element that led him to discover his true sporting passion.
The Swedish Telemark national team, a small but dedicated group of four athletes, recognizes Noaksson’s exceptional potential. Olle Collberg, the team’s head coach and fellow competitor, lauds Noaksson as a "super talent" not only in telemark but across various sports. He emphasizes Noaksson’s inherent athletic competence and unwavering determination, believing his commitment and drive could propel him to the upper echelons of the sport. Collberg predicts a bright future for the young athlete, foreseeing podium finishes in World Cup events and strong contention for medals at future Junior World Championships. The emergence of a talent like Noaksson is crucial for raising the profile of telemark skiing, bringing much-needed attention and awareness to a relatively unknown sport within the broader skiing community.
While Noaksson’s initial World Cup performances of the season were modest, his ambitions remain high. He aims for top-five finishes in both the World Cup and the upcoming World Championships, ambitious but attainable goals given his rapid progression. He also has his sights set on gold at the next Junior World Championships, a testament to his competitive spirit and unwavering belief in his abilities. While acknowledging his youth and the unpredictable nature of athletic careers, Noaksson remains committed to the sport and dedicated to achieving his lofty goals. His journey is a testament to the unpredictable and often serendipitous paths that can lead to sporting greatness.
