Young athletes face challenges across Finland, Sweden, and Norway

Young athletes in northern Scandinavia face similar challenges in Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Long distances to competitions, difficulty in obtaining financial support, and a short training season due to prolonged winters are common issues. However, Swedish athletes have a notable advantage over their neighbors: indoor sports facilities. Increased funding in Sweden has led to the construction of several large indoor arenas in northern Sweden, which supports year-round training and helps young athletes avoid injuries, explains track coach Niklas Wiklund.

In Finland, large athletic facilities are primarily found in major cities, and the situation is not much better in northern Norway. Tromsø-based coach Stig Fremnesvik laments the lack of a substantial indoor facility in the region, resulting in a loss of young talent to the south.

Janne Kovaniemi, a coach in Finland, notes that year-round training is a significant challenge for young athletes outside major urban areas. “Of course, the top athletes train in the south, but younger athletes may not have the opportunities or finances to do so,” he comments.

As aspiring young athletes progress, the issue of funding becomes crucial. The financial aid available to young athletes varies among the three countries, depending on factors such as the athlete’s club, location, and sport.

For instance, 21-year-old Norwegian hammer thrower Aurora Fremnesvik expresses frustration over the conditions for athletes in the north. With a short training season and long travel distances for competitions, pursuing serious athletics can be financially straining on families. She balances her sport, studies, and work, stating that although her club offers some support, she often bears most of the costs herself.

The recent Barents Games held in Kemi and Tornio brought together over 700 young athletes from Finland, Sweden, and Norway. This event is vital for young competitors in the Barents region, offering valuable international experience and a chance to compare their skill levels while competing as a unified team, according to Fremnesvik. The Barents Games have been organized in their current form since 2014, building on a long history of athletic cooperation in the region.