World Championship Ski Organizers Have One Week to Respond to Environmental Activists’ Demands – Harsh Comment from a Swedish Star

The upcoming World Championships in cross-country skiing in Trondheim, Norway are already under scrutiny as an environmental activist group, Folk mot fossilmakta, demands that companies involved with fossil fuels have their logos removed from the competition areas. The activists argue that the use of fossil fuels not only accelerates climate change but also shortens winter seasons, thereby threatening the future of skiing.

In a press release, the group specifically mentioned companies such as Equinor and Aker BP, asserting that the sport’s future is at risk if fossil fuel dependence is not addressed. They have set a deadline of February 5 for the organizers to meet their demands, warning that if ignored, they will interrupt the men’s 50 km mass start event scheduled for March 8.

Safety concerns are also a major part of the discussion. Gaute Karlsson, the championships’ security chief, stated that while organizers welcome protests, it is vital that any demonstrations take place away from the ski track to ensure the safety of athletes, volunteers, media, and spectators. Meanwhile, Swedish cross-country skiing star Maja Dahlqvist, a double world champion in sprint events, expressed strong disapproval of activists invading the competition area, calling such actions a scandal and emphasizing that protests could endanger the athletes.

The article also recalls previous instances where environmental activists disrupted events in other sports, including incidents seen at snooker world championships, alpine skiing World Cups, and tennis grand slams. Similar disruptive actions were reported during last season’s Trondheim World Cup and Sweden’s Vasaloppet.

Comments from Swedish national team coach Anders Byström further illustrated the tensions; he recounted an incident in Trondheim where an activist rushed onto the track and attempted to spread some substance, causing concern about the potential for more dangerous actions. Organizers have assured that they are addressing the issue internally as the event approaches.