When Therese and Emil traveled to Jokkmokk to ski Nordenskiöldsloppet for the first time in 2017, they were both single. That would change soon and more races follow. And a proposal at the finish line, a child and then another child. A pair of skis ended up in the bin too. Let's take everything from the beginning.

-We knew each other from the gym. I knew he also skied and we talked about the race, says Therese. Then she decided to do the race in 2017. Emil signed up too. Looking back now, it was a bit of a date trip when they went to Jokkmokk together with another friend (the poor guy!).

-We became interested in each other, that's where it all started, Therese admits. The race had gone well and both finished in medal time. A few weeks later they got together.

-Then we signed up for 2018. It was the toughest race and nothing good at all. It was just heavy and we both abandoned, Therese remembers. However, they were by no means alone. Constant snowfall and freezing temperatures turned that race into a sluggish affair. It was even already dark when the elite reached the finish line.

Her skis ended temporarily up in a bin above the Arctic Circle, but the desire for more races was stronger.

The finish was the goal

-We both wanted revenge in 2019, explains Therese. What Emil didn't know was that she had stored a little extra motivation. In her pocket were two rings to propose to him at the finish line: - It was like a carrot not to give up. I'm going to the finish line!

It went well in a double sense because Emil said yes. In December of the same year, they had their first child. In 2020, the race was canceled due to the pandemic (and she had not been able to participate), but since then the couple has both completed Nordenskiöldsloppet in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, the race took a break again at the same time as a little brother arrived.

Now the whole family is loading up for 2024. Therese and Emil are really into to going far: - It's a very unique race, just the nature you ski through and all the people on the track and next to it. It's so wonderful to meet all the people, she says, and sends along some tips for the preparations:

-Skiing a lot of hills to gain some altitude. The race is quite hilly at some places and then it doesn't help with training on the flat. Also training in the equipment you’ll wear at the race is a good thing, preferably in different temperatures, as you’ll realize whether it will work or needs some adjustments.