Joakim Abrahamsson Brings Skiing Expertise from Sweden to Finland
In a significant move for Finnish skiing, Joakim Abrahamsson has been appointed as the new head coach of the cross-country skiing team. At a recent press conference hosted by the Finnish Ski Association, Abrahamsson revealed that his salary in Finland is quite competitive, comparable to what he might have earned in Sweden.
“The compensation is similar to what I would receive back home,” Abrahamsson stated, underscoring the value placed on his expertise in the sport.
Abrahamsson boasts an impressive background, having served as head coach of the Swedish national skiing team from 2008 to 2012. Following that role, he dedicated several years as sports director at Piteå Elit, one of Sweden’s premier ski clubs. His extensive experience is not lost on the Finnish Ski Association, particularly Petter Kukkonen, the association’s top sports director. Kukkonen acknowledged the necessity of offering a substantial salary to attract such talent. “Expertise comes at a price,” he commented.
Abrahamsson’s new tenure begins on April 1, following the Olympics, under a contract lasting two years with an option for two more.
A Focus on Details
Bringing a wealth of knowledge from Sweden’s successful skiing program—one that claimed all the women’s World Cup gold medals last year—Abrahamsson describes himself as an “experienced and well-read” coach dedicated to nurturing young athletes. He is keen to implement strategies that focus on key elements of performance, such as nutrition, technical training, and rigorous interval workouts.
“In Sweden, we talk about the ‘one percent influence.’ These may seem like minor details, but at this level, they can lead to significant differences,” he explained, expressing enthusiasm about applying his insights to the Finnish system.
His work has extended into biathlon during his tenure as head sports director at Luleå University of Technology, where he has closely observed the successes of both cross-country skiing and biathlon, particularly in women’s categories—a point Kukkonen commended.
Alongside his new salary, the Finnish Ski Association aims to leverage data analytics to gain a competitive edge in the sport.
The Selection Process
Abrahamsson’s ascendance to head coach was no small feat; he emerged from a pool of approximately 20 candidates, with about four being interviewed in depth. Kukkonen noted, “Two individuals stood out distinctly, leading us to our final decision.”
The search for a coach was predominantly focused within Finland, Sweden, and Norway, though “wild proposals” from other countries were considered but ultimately discounted. Thankfully, the process didn’t require an extensive budget. “Communications through phone or Teams meetings are cost-effective. While calculating labor time is essential, there was no need for global travel; remote connections have transformed our approach,” Kukkonen noted.
A Calming Presence
Characteristically, Abrahamsson mirrors the composed demeanor of the current national team head coach, Teemu Pasa. “We’re both calm individuals, bringing stability to the team,” he reflects.
Kukkonen concurs, praising Abrahamsson’s thoughtful approach: “He is analytical, delving into details and genuinely interested in how things operate.”
Although Abrahamsson will continue residing in Sweden, he is prepared for a busy schedule traveling to training camps and competitions, with an expected 170 to 200 days of attendance each season.
As Finland sets its sights on a bright future in skiing, the appointment of Joakim Abrahamsson signals an exciting new chapter, one infused with Swedish know-how and a commitment to excellence.