Frida Westman is making waves in women’s ski jumping as she prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Her dedication and sacrifices have positioned her as a prominent athlete in the sport.
Journey from Örnsköldsvik to Trondheim
Born in Örnsköldsvik, a Swedish town also known for producing Olympic curler Niklas Edin, Westman moved to Trondheim to pursue her ski jumping career. This relocation meant leaving behind an irreplaceable coaching relationship with her father, Magnus Westman, who competed in the 1992 and 1994 Olympics.
- Location: Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
- Father: Magnus Westman, Olympic skier
- Distance: Nine-hour train ride to Trondheim
Westman acknowledges the emotional toll of the move. “He’s always been my biggest supporter in ski jumping,” she notes, expressing gratitude for her father’s unwavering encouragement.
The Competitive Landscape
Örnsköldsvik, alongside Falun, is one of Sweden’s key ski jump hubs. Unfortunately, Westman reflects on the decline of the sport in Sweden. “Many years ago we had a lot of good jumpers like Jan Boklöv,” she states. “But the environment started to die out.”
In contrast, Norway boasts a thriving ski jumping community. “There’s a lot of good ski jumpers here in Norway. You have to be with good people,” she adds, emphasizing the importance of a competitive environment to improve her performance.
Milestones and Goals for the Olympics
With the 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon, Westman is focused on achieving impressive results. For the first time, women will compete from the same height as men in Milano Cortina, which she believes will elevate the sport.
“Women competing in the big hill in Milano is going to be very exciting,” Westman shares. Her performance on the Large Hill has been promising, but she encountered challenges during her last competition, failing to reach the Normal Hill final.
Aiming for a Personal Record
Beyond competing for medals, Westman has a personal milestone in mind. Her father’s longest jump was 167 meters, while she aims to exceed the 200-meter mark. “If I do it, no one will be happier than him,” she declares, highlighting her dedication to surpassing her father’s legacy.
As Westman prepares for the upcoming season and the Olympics, her journey exemplifies commitment and ambition in the world of women’s ski jumping.
