Micke Brunnberg Leaving Leadership Of Sweden's Speedski Team

After three years as national captain of the Speedski national team, and before that five years as assistant, Micke Brunnberg is now leaving the leadership of Sweden's fastest national team, but is he leaving the sport completely?

"No, I'm not leaving the sport completely. It's far too much fun to leave. I will continue to work with events both nationally and internationally, and I will also continue to be part of the technical committee within the International Ski Federation's speedski organization" Micke tells skidor.com.

Micke has been involved in various ways in Swedish and international speedskiing since the 90s and has seen the sport develop since then. What are the differences now compared to 25 years ago?

"Everything is much more well-organized now. But I especially think that the safety of the skiers has received a completely different focus. Both how the safety work in connection with competitions is done, but also the purely technical safety in the form of ski-off zones, netting and preparation. But also so-called technical cuts where skiers are simply not allowed to start if they are not considered to be able to complete the ski in a safe way. It was not at all as pronounced before.

"Another thing that has happened is that we are getting more attention in the media than we used to. Even though there is a lot more to do, it feels like the sport is on the right track there," says Micke.

You yourself have been a big part of it by developing a concept to be able to live stream and comment on competitions with small resources, how come you put so much work into it?

"Yes, it's been a while. Both because I saw that it was needed, but perhaps above all because that type of technology is something I find very fun, it really has nothing to do with the job of national team captain. But I've noticed that it's also in demand internationally, so it's been a way for me to contribute to the sport with something I find fun that lies outside of the actual sporting achievements and leadership."

What challenges do you see for speedskiing going forward?

"It is clearly recruitment that must be the focus. Both of skaters and organizers. Especially at the national level where there must be a solid foundation with skaters and smaller competitions such as national cups and preferably club competitions. Internationally, there are a lot of skaters who are talented and the level is constantly being raised, but there is a lack of competition organizers. It is a challenge."

What have been the main highlights during your time in management?

"It must be that I got to be part of the organization that took Britta Backlund to World Championship Gold and World Cup victories. Then it has been fantastic fun to see our skaters develop and become more and more professional in their efforts and climb higher in the results lists. Then the whole cohesion in speedskiing, even at an international level, is actually a highlight in itself. Being a part of it has been really fun, and I will actually be that way even after I hand over the national team captaincy to my successor Mattias, - who will do a great job with the team!" concluded Micke.