“It was not an easy decision for sure. Leaving my comfort zone and friends, talking a different language. But at the end I am happy to represent my mum’s homeland.” — Estelle Alphand
Choosing a flag can be harder than choosing a line.
Estelle Alphand has been chasing speed since she was a kid in Serre Chevalier, where ski club quickly became her world.
And along the way, she made one of the biggest choices an athlete can make. She chose to represent Sweden, her mother’s homeland, stepping out of her comfort zone and into a new language, new system, and a new kind of pressure.
From the start, it was her world
Since I was very young, I knew that I wanted to compete and race in the World Cup. I was very determined to win races, and I have always loved it. So I think from when I joined the ski club (in Serre Chevalier) it kinda became my own world in a way.
The ambition was clear early. Not because it sounded good, but because it felt natural. Skiing was where she belonged.
Choosing Sweden
It was not an easy decision for sure. Leaving my "confort zone" and friends, talking a different language etc. But at the end I am happy to represent my mum’s homeland, I think my family in Sweden was really proud when I chose to race for SWE and for me it means a lot.
It was a personal decision first. Identity, family, and belonging, and then everything else.
Pressure, and freedom
It was not easy, and yes it came with a lot of expectation and sometimes I put way to much pressure on myself even now. Going to Sweden was a way to let go of the pressure around my name, since they maybe don’t know him as much there 😝.
Sometimes a change of environment does not remove pressure. It changes what the pressure is attached to. It gives you space to reset what matters.
Her own way
I think trust in my capacities, and go my own way.
That is the underdog advantage. When you commit to your own path, you do not need permission. You just need belief.
Underdog mindset
I think being an underdog is a privilege for Olympics, anything can happen. No pressure 😜
Olympian.
Her own way.
Still in the fight.
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