Tove Alexandersson, a dominant force in Swedish sports, has achieved remarkable success in orienteering, accumulating numerous championship medals and accolades like the Bragdguldet and Jerringpriset. However, the Olympics have remained elusive due to orienteering’s absence from the Games. This is set to change with the inclusion of ski mountaineering, also known as skimo, in the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. Alexandersson, despite her reservations about the sport’s shift in focus away from long-distance races towards sprints and mixed relays, has embarked on an Olympic journey in this relatively obscure discipline.
Ski mountaineering combines elements of mountaineering and skiing, requiring athletes to navigate uphill along a predetermined course, sometimes carrying their skis on steeper sections, before descending. The Olympic program features sprint and mixed relay events, akin to cross-country skiing sprints, where racers are eliminated after each heat. The mixed relay involves a male and female athlete each completing two laps of a slightly longer sprint course. While Alexandersson acknowledges the importance of mixed relays, her true passion lies in the grueling long-distance races which, unfortunately, are not part of the Olympic format.
Despite her preference for longer races, Alexandersson’s competitive spirit and drive to excel have propelled her into the world of ski mountaineering. The 2023-2024 winter season is crucial for Olympic qualification, primarily based on world rankings accrued through various competitions. A standout performance at the World Championships could offer a direct qualification route. This winter campaign, culminating in April, will be followed by a return to orienteering, with the World Championships in Finland serving as the focal point of the summer. Post-orienteering Worlds, Alexandersson will refocus on her ski mountaineering Olympic pursuit.
A key element of Alexandersson’s Olympic aspirations is the mixed relay event. Currently, Sweden lacks a clear male counterpart for her. While the Olympic spot isn’t tied to a specific individual, Alexandersson emphasizes the importance of consistent strong performances to solidify her position within the team. The mixed relay format, though individually executed with a baton exchange, requires teamwork and tactical discussions. Alexandersson acknowledges the technical demands of ski mountaineering, requiring adaptation to specialized equipment and refining her technique, a process she finds both challenging and rewarding.
Unlike many athletes whose careers are driven by Olympic dreams, Alexandersson’s motivation stems from a pure love of sport and the challenge it presents. The allure of ski mountaineering existed before its Olympic inclusion, and her drive isn’t solely defined by medals or results. While an Olympic experience holds undeniable appeal, her primary focus remains the enjoyment of the sport itself. However, she remains fiercely competitive and aims to contend for a medal, particularly in the mixed relay, provided she finds a suitable partner who shares her ambition. Her goal is not merely participation but genuine contention for victory, particularly in the individual sprint, recognizing the unpredictable nature of the format.
Beyond the immediate focus on ski mountaineering and the upcoming orienteering World Championships, Alexandersson looks ahead to a rich tapestry of future competitions. She expresses interest in the 2027 World Championships in Hungary, citing the enticing terrain, and the 2029 World Championships on home soil in Örnsköldsvik, an area she considers her favorite terrain. These long-term goals underscore her enduring passion for orienteering and her commitment to the sport for years to come. This unwavering dedication to training and competition is fueled by a genuine love for the process and a desire to capitalize on her exceptional talent. While acknowledging the occasional fatigue from the relentless travel and competition schedule, the joy of training remains a constant, particularly given the varied and scenic environments she chooses for her workouts.
