MDA Alumni
MDA 10 (2025)
ANJA PÄRSON (ALPINE)
Anja Pärson is the first, and at the time of writing, only person to ever win world championship gold in all five alpine disciplines. She is legendary within Sweden, as one of the top alpine skiers of all time. Her legacy carries beyond Sweden however, as the woman who has won the most alpine olympic and world championship medals throughout time. She has won 13 world championship medals, has 42 wins in the world cup, 1 olympic gold and 7 world championship golds. Since ending her alpine career, she has been a recurring feature on Swedish television, both as an expert commentator, and as a contestant in competitions like “Let’s Dance” and “Mästarnas Mästare”, which she won in 2024. Furthermore, she is a lecturer and entrepreneur, who runs her own company with her wife and stylist Filippa Rådin.
PETTER MENNING (CANOE)
Petter Menning is a sprint canoeist who excels in short distances. His breakthrough came quite late in his teenage years, in part due to the introduction of his strongest distance, K1 200 meters. Since, he has won 1 world championship gold, and 5 total medals, the second most of any Swede in canoeing. Furthermore, he has won 5 european championship medals, out of which 1 gold, and participated in 2 olympics. Petter has a masters degree from Stockholm University in Business and Economics, and since retiring from canoeing in 2024 due to a heart-issue he is working as a business consultant, inspirational lecturer and investor/ambassador for a company matching athletes with trainers. When Petter was growing up, sport was his refuge from an unstable home, something that is core in his lectures, and has led to him working with the Swedish organisation Maskrosbarn, for children growing up in unsafe homes.
ÅSA SVENSSON (TENNIS)
When Åsa Svensson started playing tennis at 7 years old her goal was not to become one of Sweden’s best tennis players of all time, she simply loved the sport. By the time she turned 15 however, she made the decision to go all in on her sports career, and at age 21 peaked in her ranking as 28th in the world. Åsa has won two single- and seven double-titles (WTA), three single- and six double-titles (ITF-circus), and the fourth round in the Grand slam tournament French Open 2000. She has won 3 SM gold, out of which 2 are singles. Since she ended her tennis career at the age of 30, she has been a talent developer and regional manager at the Swedish tennis association, a commentator for Eurosport, and opened two padel courts in Västerås.
NIKLAS HJALMARSSON (ICE HOCKEY)
After having won 3 Stanley Cups while playing in the NHL, Niklas Hjalmarsson is among Sweden’s best ice hockey players. He started his professional career playing for the Jönköping based club HV71, before signing in the USA to play for the Chicago Blackhawks. After 12 years with the Blackhawks, Niklas was traded to the Arizona Coyotes, where he played for 5 years, before returning to Sweden and HV71 until his retirement from ice hockey in 2023. Besides hockey, Niklas has co-founded a restaurant in his hometown of Jönköping, and is an ambassador for the children's charity Tappra Barn.
LISA NORDÉN (SWIMMING)
Growing up, Lisa Nordén competed in the daring equestrian sport eventing (Fälttävlan). When her horse suffered a long term injury, and her family could not afford a better one, she decided to shift her focus to competing in triathlon instead. Today, Lisa is Sweden’s best triathlon athlete, and has won 1 olympic silver, 3 world championship gold, out of which one was in U23, and 9 SM gold. Furthermore, she was the only Swede represented in the 2008 Olympics in Peking, and has set the world record in an IronMan bike split at 4:21,15. While Lisa is still active as an athlete, she also runs her own company and is a board member in the Swedish triathlon association.
HENRIK KARLSSON (ICE HOCKEY)
Henrik Karlsson is a Swedish-Kazakhstani former professional ice hockey player, often nicknamed the “Calgary Tower,” due to being 198 cm tall. Before his professional career, he played in Botkyrka HC while working as a substitute teacher. He then went on to play professionally for several Swedish hockey clubs, and was drafted for the NHL with the Calgary Flames, and subsequently the Chicago Blackhawks, in the USA. After several seasons in the US he returned to Sweden, before once again leaving, this time to play in the Kazakhstan national team. He played in two world championships with Kazakhstan.
JOHANNA LAGUS (ICE HOCKEY)
Johanna Lagus is an ice hockey player from one of Sweden’s largest clubs, AIK. She has played professional hockey with AIK for 11 years, during which they have won 1 SM gold, and 1 European Championship gold. She was assistant team captain in the 2022/2023 season. Johanna has a masters in gender studies from Umeå University, and is working within Sustainability at PwC. At the same time, she is the co-founder of SHESPORTS, a platform that entirely focuses on women’s sports, and works as an expert commentator for hockeymorgon, a Swedish morning tv-show broadcasting during the ice hockey season.
MICHELLE COLEMAN (SWIMMING)
After spending 16 years on the Swedish national swimming team, Michelle Coleman resigned from her athletic career in spring 2025. At that point, she had participated in 4 olympics, won 7 world championship medals (2 gold), 13 european championship medals (5 gold), and 16 SM medals (12 gold). Michelle has much to be proud of from her athletic career, for example how she won her first european championship gold at the age of 30! At the same time, it is not only her sports achievements that make her proud. Michelle has gone through a journey of opening up about being bullied during her childhood, and worked to break taboos around subjects like menstruation. Today she is building a new professional career within marketing.
JENS BYGGMARK (ALPINE)
Jens Byggmark is a former Swedish alpine skier and entrepreneur who was professionally active in skiing for over a decade. During this time, he participated in the 2010 Olympic games in Canada, and won 3 world championship medals. Jens resigned from his athletic career in 2017, and proceeded to start a youtube channel called “Byggis & Mackan” and release music with his friend Markus Thunholm. The youtube channel stopped being active in 2020, and Jens has since focused on entrepreneurial efforts, such as investing in the solar company Sunroof. Now he has started, and works as the CEO for a fragrances company, with his wife and sister-in-law.
MDA 9 (2024)
ANNA LAURELL NASH (BOXING)
Anna Laurell Nash is the unique combination of a world champion in boxing, and a doctor in chemistry. During her almost 20 year long boxing career she has won 2 world championship gold and 3 european championship gold. Parallel to her boxing, she pursued her PhD at the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology, where she wrote her dissertation on “Development and studies of the processes involved in Minor Enantiomer Recycling,” and ran her own business as an inspirational lecturer. In 2005, she was the first woman ever to win the Swedish “boxer of the year” award. Once again returning to academia and entrepreneurship, she is currently the Executive Director at the Center for Sports and Business at Stockholm School of Economics.
THERESE ALSHAMMAR (SWIMMING)
Therese Alshammar is one of Sweden’s top swimmers of all time, and one of the world’s most merited in her sport. Already at a young age Therese showed exceptional talent, and her strengths lie in the short distances. She is the oldest swimmer to ever win a world championship gold medal, and during her long career she acquired over 70 international championship medals, out of which 3 are olympic medals and 25 are from world championships. Furthermore, she has set multiple world records. Besides her swimming career, she is an avid entrepreneur who has co-founded a company specialising in eco-friendly cleaning supplies, works as a freelance lecturer, and is investing in sports-related businesses.
ANNA DYVIK (CROSS-COUNTRY)
Anna Dyvik is a Swedish elite cross-country skier as well as an entrepreneur. During her skii career, she has won three gold medals in the junior world championships and Swedish championships (SM) respectively, and placed within the top 10 of the world cup eleven times. After retiring from skiing, Anna has worked as an expert commentator in Swedish national television and as a project leader within digital communication. Now, she has her own company within digital communications, while working as a Community Success Manager within digital sports communities.
PATRICK CEHLIN (ICE HOCKEY)
Patrick Cehlin debuted his hockey career in 2009 for the Stockholm based team Djurgården IF. After three seasons in the highest Swedish hockey league, he left Sweden to play for the Milwaukee Admirals, in Wisconsin USA, where he stayed for two and a half years. Upon his return to Sweden he played for Leksand IF, Rögle BK and Luleå hockey, before his retirement in 2022, as a consequence of multiple concussions. Patrick has since spoken out about how he did not treat his first concussions well, as he wanted to power through and play regardless. Today he has found his way back to hockey through working as a European scout for the Washington Capitals in the NHL, while working as a Family Office Manager in Stockholm.
ERIK ADIELSSON (HARNESS RACER)
Erik Adielsson debuted in his first race in 1992, and has since become a world-class jockey within harness racing. Adielsson has over 5000 career wins, 2 world championship silver medals, is a three time winner of the Swedish jockey awards at Hästgalan, and has won over 700 million sek for his horse owners over the years. He completed his MDA at SSE while still an active jockey, but has since become head referee at Svensk Travsport, the Swedish national harness racing association. His job as head referee means that he won’t participate in any more races for now, but he has not officially retired.
ANTON HEDMAN (ICE HOCKEY)
Anton Hedman started his professional ice hockey career in 2014, when he began playing for Färjestad BK in Karlstad, Värmland. Since then, he has played in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) through Luleå Hockey, Örebro Hockey, and Djurgården IF. Known to be a tough opponent, he often figured in the news for his games. After retiring in 2021, he has worked with communications, and as player development manager, within the Swedish Ice Hockey Central Organisation (SICO). Anton further chose to continue his education at SSE, through participating in the European Sports and Business Program the year after his graduation from the MDA program.
ERIKA GRAHM (Ice Hockey)
At the age of 14, Erika began playing ice hockey for MoDo and only 5 years later was she announed team captain. After 8 years, she continued her career and role as team captain for Brynäs. Though ending her professional play in 2021, she holds the position of the 4th most goal scoring player in the SDHL, the first woman to be included in the international hockey database Elite Prospects, and with 2 Olympic plays. She remained engaged in ice hockey ithrough the role of Sports Manager and Head of the female team at Brynäs IF. She has started many projects in moDo andd Brynäs aiming to attract and maintain young females in ice hockey.
PER KARLSSON (SOCCER)
Since 2020, Per “Pertan” Karlsson has competed in the largest number of matches in AIK history. He is among the “gold heroes” of the club, and has helped win two SM-golds as well as Svenska cupen and Svenska Supercupen respectively. He’s been awarded best defender in Allsvenskan soccer league and played for the Swedish national team twice. Since retiring from soccer in 2022, he has started the AIK alumni network and published his biography “Världens bästa Karlsson,” which he uses to lecture about himself, leadership, and performance to Swedish business and sports associations.
MAGDALENA FJÄLLSTRÖM (ALPINE)
At six years old when Magdalena “Monne” Fjällström started competing in alpine skiing, she already knew she wanted to be world champion. Growing up as next door neighbor to Anja Pärson was both a source of inspiration and a frequent comparison in Swedish media. At 18 years old, she won the 2013 junior world cup in Canada. The year before, she had become a junior Olympic champion in Innsbruck, Austria. In total, she has started 64 times in the alpine world cup and won several medals on an european level. Unfortunately, Magdalena incurred several serious knee injuries, and in 2022 she decided to end her alpine career. Now she owns and operates a hotel, right by the mountain in her hometown of Tärnaby.
MDA8 (2021)
HELENA EKHOLM (Biathlon)
Helena is an experienced former biathlon athlete, who have had great sucess competing in the WC. She has won two individual WC gold medals and 3 WC bronze and 3 mix relay medals. She also won the total World cup 2008/2009 and was hence awarded the Jerring Award, the Svenska Dagbladet medal and the Sportswoman of the Year (2010) at Idrottsgalan. Not only does Helena have an impressive athletic bakground, but she does also obtain a bachelor degree in Business administration and a university degree in law. She finished her sports career in 2012 and continued as an employee at PWC (2012-2016), boardmember in Swedish Biathlon Union (2013-2018) to now having her own personal trainer company and training studio concurrent to acting as a expert commentator for SVT.
Björn Svensson (Ice hockey)
Born into a family of hockey enthusiast Björn is much familiar with the what a professional career requires. He himself, has had a long career playing over 400 games in the SHL for multiple clubs, as well as some ventures to Schweiz, Germany and Croatia. In 2019, he switched from actively playing to today being the Player Development Manager in SICO (the union for Swedish ice hockey players in SHL, Hockeyallsvenskan och SDHL), having the focus on growing the post ice hockey career prospects.
Johan Blomberg (Football)
Johan began his career among some of the smaller clubs (Lunds BK, Ängelholms FF and Halmstad BK). But after a successful season in Allsvenskan playing for Halmstad BK he was signed for AIK. After 3 years, he took a one season venture to the American Colorado Rapids. After this year, he returned to Sweden and is today signed for Trelleborg FF. In contrast to many of the other MDA participants Johan was still actively playing when joining the program.
Jessica Lindell Vikarby (Alpine)
Jessica has least to say, had both a long a very sucessful alpine. Her career wrapped up in 2015, but at that time she had competed in 13 seasons of the world cup (2 victories), competed in 3 Olympics, 7 WC (1 WC bronze). She has also studied at IHM, worked in marketing for ICA (2016-19) and at SOK regarding the canditates for the 2026 Olympics. Besides, she has been on the board for the international Ski Federation and president or the actives committee in the Swedish Olympics Committee (2015-18).
Mattias Hargin (Alpine)
Before finishing his alpine career in 2019, Mattias has competed in 15 World cup seasons (1 victory in Kitzbühels). He also participated in 3 Olympics and 7 WC. He has sucessfully maintained active in the sport by starting his own film and photo production company targeting skiing. He has also invested in various uprising companies, in for example food-tech.
Jonas Gustafsson (Ice Hockey)
Goalkeeper Jonas Gustafsson, is by fans sometimes also referred to as the Monster. In the beginning of his career, together with the SHL team Färjestad, he won his first Swedish Championships, crowned the series best goalkeeper and won the Guldpucken for being the year´s best Swedish player. The following season, he was recruited to the NHL, where he signed several seasons for Toronto, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers. Before retiring from professional game, he returned to the Swedish team Linköping. He has in total competed in 2 Olympics and 2 WC.
Jonathan Ericsson (Ice hockey)
Before being signed for the Detroit Red Wings, Jonathan had had a successful junior career in Swedish clubs. At 2 occasions he joined the Swedish national team in the Olympics (2009-10, 2013-14) and also the WC during the season 2011-2012. Until he officially retired in 2020, he maintained among the Detroit Red Wings. Since then, he has founded a sauce company in the USA, and is together with his brother co-owners in some padel facilities in the Northern of Sweden.
MDA7
Nils-Eric Johansson (Football)
Nils-Eric Johansson began his career playing for IFK Viksjö. In 1997 he was recruited by Bayern Munchen with whom he won Bundesliga 2000, to then in 2000 joining the FC Nurnberg with whom he won the Bundesliga 2 in 2001. Meanwhile, he was appointed team captain for the Swedish U21 national team. Eventually Nils-Eric left Germany to continue with the British team Blackburn Rovers, for which he played i.e., 86 Premier League games, and later Leicester City. In 2007, he returned to Sweden and AIK, becoming Swedish Champions in 2009 and acted team captain from 2013 until his retirement in 2018.
Nils Ekman (Ice Hockey)
Nils's extensive ice hockey career started in AIK to then joining Hammarby at age 15. In 1993-1994 he won the U18 EJC, in 1994 drafted as a the 107th player in the NHL by the Calgary Flames and in 1995-1996 he won silver in the U20 WJC. His career continued internationally, first in the finish league to then being recruited to the NFL, playing for i.e., Tampa Bay Lightning, San Jose Sharks and Pittsburgh Penguins. After a period in the Russian KHL, Ekman returned to Djurgården but decided to retire in 2011 subsequent to a stroke. In 2014, Ekman and his wife Danijela Rundqvist, began building Djurgårdens female ice hockey team, which lead to a Swedish Championships win in 2016-2017. Today, Ekman works as an expert commentator for SVT.
PETTER ANDERSSON (Football)
Petter Andersson was already as an 18-year-old recruited to Hammarby and was in 2008 voted the team’s Player of the year. In the same year he was signed to Groningen, for which he played four seasons and was chosen team captain. He proceeded to Midtjylland that became Danish Champions in 2015. The year after he returned to Sweden and Hammarby, but was not soon thereafter forced to retire because of persistent knee injuries. Andersson has however maintained engaged in sports via his companies Player Development and Full Potential Agency which focuses on managing and coaching football players to achieve their full potential.
MATTIAS WEINHANDL (Ice Hockey)
Mattias is a former ice hockey player who was only 19 when he was drafted as number 78 by the New York Islanders. He continued his career in the elitseries playing for Modo, until he eventually left to join the Islanders in 2002. During his career he shifted between the Swedish eliteseries and the NHL. In total, he has among other things participated in 3 SHL silver medals, 2 Spengler Cup wins and 3 WC bronze medals. After his athletic career, he nows works as an investor and entrepreneur.
DANIEL TJERNQVIST (Ice Hockey)
Also Daniel is a former ice hockey player, starting his career playing for Vönnäs HK. Thereafter, he continued in the SHL with Rögle to then winning the Finnish league with Jokerit. In 2001, he ventured to NHL where he was recruited to the clubs Atlanta Trashers, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild och Edmonton Oilers. Included on his record is also 3 seasons in the Russian KHL and the German DEL. He has won 1 Olymics (2006) and played 5 WC (2 silver and 2 bronze medals). Today he works as a professional trainer.
JOSEFIN LILLHAGE (Swimming)
Josefin is the exception to this year’s composition of ice hockey and football athletes. Instead, she is one of Swedens most successful swimmers, having debuted in the WC already at age 15. Since then, she has won 43 medals (of which 13 individual) in international championships and participated in four Olympics. For example, she has won five gold, three silver and four bronze WC medals primarily in freestyle apart from her 37 Swedish Championships wins. She was announced the Swedish Swimmer of the Year in 2003, 2004 and 2005. In 2010, she retired as a professional swimmer to work as a personal trainer.
FREDRIK STENMAN (Football)
The former football player Fredrik Stenman began his career with Västerås SK and was in 2003 recruited to Djurgården. While there, the team won Allsvenskan, Svenska Cupen and in 2005 “dubbeln”. In 2006, he participated in the WC and continued his career abroad playing for Bayer Leverkusen (2006-2007), FC Groningen and Club Brügge (2011-2014). He completed his time as an elite player playing for Djurgården in 2014-2015. Stenman has continued with coaching for IFK Lidingö while pursuing a career in real estate.
ANNA POHJANEN (Football)
Anna is a former football midfielder having over 50 caps for the Swedish national football team. She has also represented Sweden in the 1995 FIFA Women’s WC and the 1996 Olympics. During her career she has won two Swedish Championships. At age 27, she retired from football to instead try a career as a pop singer. Today, she runs a sport management company that advices athletes and helps former football players with the transition from professional sports.
DANJIELA RUNDQVIST (ICe hockey)
Danjiela started her ice hockey career at age 13, and obtains an impressive list of awards. She has won three Swedish championships and five wins in the IIHF European Women’s championships cup with AIK. Besides, together with the Swedish national team she has won both a bronze medal (2002) and a silver medal(2006) in the Winter Olympic and two bronze medals in the WC. She does also have international experience, being drafted to Burlington in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (2010-2011) and HK Tornado in Russia (2011-2012). With the later, she won the Russian and European championships. In 2015 she retired, began building Djurgårdens female ice hockey team, which lead to a Swedish Championships win in 2016-2017. In 2015, she competed against other Swedish athletes in the show Mästarnas Mästare, which she also won.
MDA6
Mikael Samuelsson (Ice Hockey)
Mikael has competed in the Swedish Elite series playing for various clubs such as Södertälje SK, Frölunda HC and Brynäs IF. In 2000, he ventured abroad to the NHL where he was signed for San Jose Sharks, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks. In 2006, he did not only win the Olympics but also the WC. Besides, relating to his Stanley cup win (2008) he became the 21st member in the Triple gold club. In 2015, he retired as a player but has continued on the side lines as a commentator.
Fredrik Kessiakoff (Cycling)
Fredrik can easily be said to be one of the most successful cyclist in Swedish history. He has taken several medals at both european and global level and obtains a world cup win. He has represented Sweden at 2 Olympic games in mountain bike. Moreover, he has competed in road cycling, in which he won 1 stage of the Veulta Espana, came 2nd in Tour de France, and 5th in the WC. His career finished in 2014, and he has since released his own autobiography and works within the Ironman organisation.
Karin Lundqvist (Beach Volleyball)
Karin can with her 13 years of being a professional player, be considered one of Swedens best beach volleyball players throughout time. She is a 7 time Swedish Champion and has been ranked 9 on the world tour. She was also the first European that reached the semifinals and also take a medal in the Brazilian Tour, Banco do Brasil.
Matias Concha (football)
Matias has an extensive experience playing for various top Swedish teams. Together with Djurgården FF, he won the Swedish Championships (2005) and the Swedish Cup (2004 & 2005). In 2006, he ventured abroad to the german team VfL Bochum while also joining the Swedish National team. He later returned back to Malmö FF, with whom he won the Swedish Championship (2013).
Mattias Öhlund (Ice Hockey)
Robert Larsson (Orienteering)
Robert can be considered much like a multi-sporter, having been successful in orientation, skiing and bandy. Nevertheless, he has dedicated much of his time to the first, and thus been practicing both as a orientation coach and vice president of the Stockholm based club, IFK Lidingö SOK. Apart from his athletic career, Robert has a long experience within IT and has been the IT manager/CIO and operational manager at the Swedish Sports Association. Today, he is working as COO at the Swedish Hockey League.
Marcus Nilson (Ice Hockey)
Marcus started his career playing for Djurgårdens IF. In 1998-1999, he got signed for the NHL team, Florida Panthers for which he played 6 seasons. He continued his NHL career for 4 additional seasons, signed for the Calgary Flames. Before returning to Sweden permentantly, Marcus was signed for the KHL team, Lokomotiv.
Axel Bäck (Alpine)
In 2010, Axel was recognised as "årets stjärnskott" by Swedish Alpine journalists for his impressive and fast success in alpine skiing. He was only 22 years old at his world cup debute and was not soon after offered a place in the Swedish Olympics team In total, he made 66 world cup starts and has participated in 2 Olympics and 1 WC. On his merit list, he has several top 10 placing in the world cup, including a 2nd place in Kranjska Gora. Moreover, he has won several European cups as well as 2 Swedish Championships. He officially retired in 2016.
MDA5 (2015)
Andreas Johansson (Football)
Andreas has much experience and experienced success together with various football clubs. He has won the Swedish Cup several times: 1999 (AIK), 2003 & 2004 (Djurgårdens IF). Moreover, together with Djurgårdens IF did he win the Swedish Championships both 2002 and 2003. Apart from venturing to the internation clubs Aalborg BK with whom he won the Danish Championships (Denmark), Odense (Denmark) and Wigan (U.K), he made 16 apparences in the Swedish National team during 2004-2010. No longer playing, he now works as a recruiting consultant.
Stefan Johannesson (Football)
Though Stefan began is career playing, he soon devoted his time to becoming a football referee. He has refereed in Allsvenskan since 2001, and in FIFA since 2003. In total, he has refereed more than 300 Allsvenskan matches and over 150 international plays.
Klas Hallgren (Golf)
During the years 2000-2010 Klas could be found on various tours in Europe and Australia. His primarily merit is the victory in the Swedish Tour final in 2008. Since then he has not only worked as CEO for Hamilton Design, but also as a project manager in golf for SimWay AB.
Maria Capistrano Björklund (Tennis)
With several Swedish Championships wins both playing individually and in team, Maria was during her career ranked 2nd in Sweden. Today she both works as a tennis coach and operates her own Padel court in Stockholm. Marias ambition is to cultivate the fast growing interest in Padel, as it is one of the fastest growing racket sports.
Jonas Andersson (Ice Hockey)
Former ice hockey player Jonas Andersson was early on recruited to the OHL league after being drafted by the Nashville Predators. He has both played in the NHL, SHL and KHL and the Finnish league. He has among other things 1 WC bronze medal and won the Finnish cahampionships. In 2006 he started the hockey center Nordic Ice.
Frida Afsarian (Equestrian)
Frida is a former nationalt eam rider in showjumping, and has won among other things, gold in both the Swedish and Nordic Championships. She has been ranked 4th in Sweden. Now having ended her professional career, she has instead co-founded a garden furniture company and moved to Dubai with her family.
Johannna Lundberg (Golf)
At an early age, Johanna left Sweden to pursue a career in golf in the U.S.. She played college golf at Western Carolina University and at San Jose State University. At the later she also took her university degree and at the former she was chosen intot the Hall of Fame in 2014. During her career, she has successfully participated on a U.S minitour, the Swedish tour, the European tour. Once retired, Johanna continued as a sales manager at HBA Fordonsteknik AB.
Jörgen Jönsson (Ice Hockey)
Considering Jörgens long career, he can probably be called on of the most merited ice hockey players. He has participated in 2 Olympics, 2 WC, and 5 national championships wins. To this day, he is the only player having won all 3 competitions during the same season. Besides, he has played the most international games, been elected into the Swedish Hall of Fame and in 2012 he won the competition Mästarnas Mästare. Today, he works as a Senior Trainee at the consultant firm Effect Management, where he focuses on leader- and teamdevelopment.
MDA4 (2013)
Stefan ”X:et” Erixon (floorball)
This former elite floorball player have over 13 successful years while signed for Hammarby. During this time he was also part-time police and criminal inspector. He eventually changed career, and has been working as a Sales & Business Development Manager and Key Acccount Manager.
Career Highlights: x2 Swedish Champions, x5 WC wins and over 100 international games.
Josef Boumedienne (Ice Hockey)
Josef has experience playing for various different top clubs. He reached the top league both in Sweden (Sodertälje SK) and in Finland (Tappara Tammarfors). He also ventured to the KHL and NHL (Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs). He is since 2012 co-owner of Helsinki Capital Partner, that offers asset management to professional athletes. He is also a talentscout.
Elin Emanuelsson (Golf)
Golf player Elin Emanuelsson is currently playing in the Swedish Tour, and has previously played in the Ladies European Tour. Her merits include among other things, a victory in the PGA-masterships 2009. She is involved and has founded several different ventures, primarily in digital finance and technological innovation. She has in addition remained within the golfing world by organising and coaching at organised golf trips.
Simon Dahl (Beach volleyball)
Simon Dahl has together with Björn Berg had a long and successful international career, representing Sweden at several occasions. Together, they played in the Olympics (2004). Simultaneous to his athletic career Simon has been employed as project leader for the Swatch FIVB world tour part competition, PAF Open. Apart from his athletic career, he has been e.g., event manager for Visit Umeå, founder of a communication service and manager for a training facility. In 2022, he became general secretary for the Swedish Beach Volleyball organisation.
Therese Borssén (alpine)
Former alpine skier Therese has had a long and successful international career. She has competed in 2 Olympics (2006 and 2010), and has 3 medal places in the world cup a part from a win in 2006. Subsequent to her professional career, she both been managing a gym, worked as real estate consultant and project manager.
Joel Riddez (football)
Joel is a former football player who has primarily been active in Djurgårdens IF, but also in Assyrian FF and Örebro SK. Though he is no longer playing, he has remained highly engaged in football. He has had positions such as assistant coach for the U19 national team, sports director/head coach for Djurgårdens IF Womens team and academy director.
MDA3 (2012)
Daniel Rudslätt (Ice Hockey)
Daniel is a former ice hockey player who began his career in the Elite Series 1998, playing for Brynäs IF. The team won the Swedish Championships the same year. After four seasons, Daniel continued his career with Djurgården IF. In 2012, his player career ended though he continued as a sport director for AIK and expert commentator. He is today primarily working with sales in the IT sector.
Per-Ulrik Johansson (Golf)
Per-Ulrik began his professional golf career in 1990 and was the following year announced the Swedish Golfer of the Year.
Career Highlights : 7 European Tours wins, 2 Ryder Cups wins, 1 WC win with Anders Forsbrand.
Today: Per-Ulrik continued as a CEO at Wermdö Golf & Country Club, but is today working as a sport commentator.
Jonas Thomsson (Floorball)
Jonas played in the elite series/SSL 2004-2009 in Sweden, to then venture to Schweiz for 2 years.
Career Highlights: participated in approximately 40 international matches, two WC for Estonia.
Today: He has since then started his own company and been working in consulting and as a SICO certified sportsagent.
Maria Danielsson (Snowboard)
Maria is a former snowboarder who was forced to retire due to knee injuries. She has remained engaged in the Swedish snowboard national team, while also operating her own clothing and event company as well as lecturing.
Career : 6th place in the Olympics (2006), multiple medals from the World cup and taken bronze, silver and gold at the junior WC.
Martin Jönsson (football)
Martin is a former football player that switched career to become head of sales at a recruiting organisation. During his athletic career, he played (2003-08) and was also team captain for Åtvidabergs FF.
Louise Permelin (GOLF)
In contrast to most other MDA participants, Louise has dedicated her career in sports to organisational matters. She has not only been in charge of the Swedish Golf Associations team for events and competitions (2006-08), CEO for the Swedish Golf Tours (2009-14) but also highly engaged with the Breastcancer association (2017-).
MDA2 (2011)
JESPER BLOMQVIST (football)
Jesper breakthrough came in 1993, when being signed for IFK Göteborg. The subsequent year the team won Allsvenskan and Blomqvist participated in winning the WC bronze medal. The success was followed by a move to Italy and the teams, AC Milan (1996) and Parma AC (1997). In 1998, he was recruited to Manchester United with whom he won three league titles (1999, 2000 and 2001), one FA Cup-title (1999) and one UEFA Champions League-title (1999). He later returned to Sweden and Djurgårdens IF but was due to injuries forced to retire in 2005.
Today: Jesper has remained active within football as trainer.
Lena Wallin-Kantzy
Lena has from an early age had an interest in sports. Although, being involved in a wide range of sports associations she has focused on basketball. Among other things, Lena was the Secretary general for the Swedish Basketball associations, 1999-2018, and is currently holding board positions in both the International Committee and FIBA. Apart from her organisational engagement, she has in the recent years been involved as a Sports Director for Alvik Basket. She is also acknowledged for being a key driver in raising the issues of lacking gender equality among international sports associations.
Daniel Tjernström (Football)
Daniel made his debut in the local club Bråtens IK and made quick progress to the Swedish premier team, Degerfors IF in 1993. In 1999, Daniel was signed for the then ruling Swedish champions, AIK, and in 2003 he was assigned team captain. During this time, the team won among e.g., the Swedish Championships and the Swedish cup in 2009. '
Daniel officially retired in 2013.
Niklas Granström
Niklas grew up in Kalix a town in northern of Sweden and had a special interest in motorcross. For ten years, he was one of Sweden's best motorcross riders and competed both in Europe and the US. He was also a part of the national team for the MX3 class (500cc). Mathias recognised the many similarities between sports and entrepreneurship and did in 2005 start his own company in real estate. The company was later sold, but proceeded with building the business group Northwolt that primarily focus on steel constructions.
Mathias Bosson (Ice Hockey)
In 1992, Mathias began playing in the Swedish elite series once being signed for Malmö IF. In 1993, the team won the European Championships and the subsequent year the Swedish Championships. Mathias has also ventured to FM-ligan team the Pelicans and the Italian League for three years respectively. He retired in 2008, but has translated his insights regarding leadership, communication and focus from sports to business life. Not only has he worked as a expert sport commentator for TV4, but also started his own eyeglass company and been employed within the real estate.
MDA 1 (2011)
PETER FORSBERG (ICE HOCKEY)
Peter Forsberg was 16 years old when he was recruited to Modo’s A-team and has since played in various NHL clubs such as Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers and Nashville Predators. In 2011, Peter retired due to presistent injuries.
Career Highlights and Awards: x2 Stanley Cups wins ; Player in Swedish national team (1992-2010), 2 gold medals in the Olympics and the WC. Hart Memorial Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, in 2017 named one of ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’ in history.
Today: Forsberg is actively engaged in several different business ventures.
CHRISTINA BENGTSSON (PRECISION SHOOTING)
Christina is a world champion in precision shooting, having won the WC both in team and individually. In 2005, she won the Military World Championships gold medal.
Christina is a military officer and has via the Swedish military elite athlete project, FM Elit, combined her work with sports. She also frequently lectures to audiences worldwide, such as at TEDx stages, international business schools and major corporations.
Magdalena Forsberg (Biathlon)
Magdalena started her career as a cross-country skier, but ventured into biathlon at an age of 26.
Career Highlights: WC Bronze medal in Ski Relay ; 6 WC-gold, 1 WC-silver, 6 WC-bronze, 2 Olympic bronze medals in Biathlon; x4 winner of the Jerring Award, is in itself is a record.
Today: Magdalena has among other things worked as an expert commentator and lecturer.
Andy Rietschel (Ballet)
Career Highlights: 1995: 1st place Scandinavian ballet competition, 1st soloist Swedish Royal Ballet School 2002-05: Senior soloist Birmingham Royal Ballet 2006-07: Grand Sujet Dutch National Ballet
Today: Founder of i.e., Easycharge AB, Manager Tesla's Swedish business team and is currently the deputy managing director of XPeng.
Mattias Jonsson (Football)
Mattias was born in 1974 in Kumla. During his professional football career, he has played in clubs such as Örebro SK, Helsingborgs IF, Bröndby IF (Denmark) and Norwich City (England) and Djurgårdens IF. He was also a part of the Swedish National team in 1996- 2006. He retired as a player in 2011 but has remained engaged in the Djurgårdens IF board.
Samuel Eriksson (Golf)
Samuel has dedicated much of his life to golf and has made an career specialising in the optimization of operations and quality at golf resorts. He is a certified Greenkeeper and currently works as a Course Manager commissioned by various golf clubs, one being PGA Catalunya in Spain.