Felix Monsen is currently the only Swede competing in the World Cup speed disciplines, which has become increasingly challenging. The Swedish Ski Association, citing the “weak Swedish krona,” “high inflation,” and a “dry sponsorship market,” announced cost-cutting measures in May. Consequently, the Federation’s negotiated integration of Monsen into the Norwegian men’s speed team, initially planned through the 2026 Olympic Games, has ended. The Swedish Alpine Team demoted Monsen to training group 2, providing him only minimal support. This decision by the Swedish Federation could potentially end the 29-year-old athlete’s career.

“In training group 2, I’m offered giant slalom and slalom training, but nothing for speed. I also have to cover travel, accommodation, and lift pass costs. Preparing for the season in Sweden or indoor ski centers isn’t practical for a downhill and super-G skier,” Monsen explains. If he competes this season, the Federation will provide ten racing suits, a rental car, and hotel costs for the first two races. “I appreciate any support, but continuing my career under these circumstances requires significant personal financial investment,” he says.

Monsen expresses his disappointment with the Federation’s decisions. Despite difficult injury years in the sport, he demonstrated his potential during the 2021/22 season, finishing 13th in the Lake Louise downhill. However, that same season, a severe fall in Val Gardena/Gröden resulted in multiple injuries, sidelining him for an extended period. After recovering, back problems again cut his return season short after only three races. “It’s unfair that the Federation made such a decision based on just three races,” he laments.

During the World Cup final in Saalbach, the Swedish association informed the Norwegians that they wouldn’t finance another year of the Monsen cooperation. Despite Monsen’s offer to raise the necessary funds, his desire to continue was not communicated to the Norwegian team, leaving him out of their 2024/25 season planning. Monsen now faces the challenge of developing a new preparation plan for the 2024/25 season.

As the sole Swedish World Cup speed racer, Monsen’s training options with the Swedish association are insufficient. Unlike independent World Cup tech skiers, who can join a professional program like Global Racing, speed specialists require specific, costly, and demanding training that private teams don’t offer. “It’s almost impossible to manage everything alone. Speed training demands substantial money, energy, and motivation,” he says. Monsen must decide soon whether he can find the motivation and resources to continue until the 2026 Olympics or if the obstacles are insurmountable.

Monsen briefly considered changing countries with his mother being American but found the process too lengthy and impractical.

After almost three seasons absent from competition due to injuries, Monsen needs professional physical training to consider racing in the 2024/25 World Cup season. He must first benefit from the conditioning program and then undergo speed discipline training in South America, Switzerland, and possibly North America. “I currently have no pain, and my body is functioning again. But without serious fitness and ski training, competing in races like Bormio or Kitzbühel would be too dangerous. If I can’t ensure the necessary preparation, I’ll have to quit,” he says. Monsen plans to build a new professional future if he cannot continue his ski racing career. He is currently taking a remote economics course.

However, Monsen stays focused on keeping his skiing dream alive. He is determined to continue his career as an independent athlete, revealing his passion for the sport.