Edvin Anger heads into the upcoming cross-country skiing season at age 24, fueled by a determination to rewrite the sport’s traditional physical standards, dn.se reported.
At 192 centimeters tall and weighing nearly 90 kilograms, the Swedish skier was once rejected by the Torsby ski high school because selectors saw no potential in his heavy frame. Today, he stands as a World Cup winner and a double relay bronze medalist from the 2025 World Championships, actively preparing for the upcoming World Championships in Falun.
That early rejection became a driving force for the young athlete. “For me it became a motivation to prove that they are wrong, I can ski faster than exactly everyone at that high school,” Anger told dn.se. “And make them feel a little bit ashamed.”
Building a career past old body ideals
Anger found the supportive environment he needed at the high school in Mora under coach Annlouise Almqvist, and later with coach Lars Ljung. Ljung welcomed the heavier athlete without hesitation, believing he could reach the top of the sport.
This backing helped Anger challenge the persistent notion within cross-country skiing that a lighter body is always a competitive advantage. Despite his success, the skier still encounters critics suggesting he drop 10 kilograms to improve his times.
“Man får höra ganska ofta att ‘går du ner 10 kilo så kan det bli hur bra som helst’,” Anger told dn.se. “Men jag vet ju själv att jag inte är byggd för att se ut så. Hade jag gått ner 10 kilo hade mitt VO2 max följt med på vägen ner också, men det fattar ju inte vissa tjuriga gubbar.”
That relentless push for optimization nearly derailed his career last year. During a difficult period leading up to the Olympics in Val di Fiemme, he combined heavy training with insufficient energy intake in an effort to peak early. The resulting physical burnout left him struggling with low heart rates and depleted energy levels.
“Det var väl inte en period man mådde som bäst i livet,” Anger told dn.se about the Olympic setback. “Jag ville bara ta mig hem, bryta ner mig själv och börja bygga upp igen.”
Anger trains in Östersund with coach Ola Ravald
To prepare for the upcoming season, Anger relocated to Östersund to train close to the ski stadium and teamed up with coach Ola Ravald. Their recent training sessions focus heavily on explosive double-poling techniques and interval work to secure a sharper sprint finish. This tactical preparation is designed to help him match top competitors like Johannes Høsflot Klæbo when the world championships arrive.
Away from the tracks, Anger maintains a structured life that includes following financial markets through Dagens Industri and managing his stock investments. He balances his intense athletic schedule with ambitions for the future, hoping to eventually buy a farm, raise his own livestock, and focus on sustainable agriculture. These varied interests provide a necessary mental break from the physical demands of elite skiing.
Anger is scheduled to compete in the Swedish season opener in Bruksvallarna from November 20 to 22, followed by the World Cup opener in Ruka, Finland, from November 27 to 29, as he builds toward the Falun World Championships running from February 24 to March 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the next major world championship for Edvin Anger?
The upcoming World Championships take place in Falun, Sweden, scheduled from February 24 to March 7.
What physical challenges does Anger manage as a heavier skier?
At 192 centimeters and nearly 90 kilograms, Anger constantly works to build endurance while maintaining the speed required for competitive sprinting, a balance he fine-tunes alongside coach Ola Ravald.
Which competitions mark the start of his racing season?
Anger competes in the Swedish season opener in Bruksvallarna from November 20 to 22, before heading to the World Cup opener in Ruka, Finland, from November 27 to 29.