Born: 1986 (Noraström, Kramfors Municipality, Sweden)
Emelie Tina Forsberg (born December 11, 1986) is a Swedish athlete specializing in trail running (skyrunning, mountain running) and ski mountaineering. She has won repeated victories in different disciplines, including European and World Championships. Ian Corless described Forsberg as: Known for her incredible strength, endurance, and breakneck downhill running, she has also become an inspiration to men and ladies all over the world by her infectious passion and love of life which she daily shares via social media. No matter how hard the race, no matter how tough the conditions are, no matter how bad she is feeling, Emelie is guaranteed to provide a smile.
Biography:
Childhood and Youth:
Emelie Forsberg grew up in the small village Noraström in Kramfors Municipality, some 40 km (25 mi) north of Härnösand on Sweden’s High Coast. Her father died when she was newborn, and according to Forsberg, her mother had a tough time combining work, studies, and taking care of her two daughters. Orienteering, trekking, climbing, skiing, foraging for mushrooms and berries were an integral part of her life since she was very young. In a 2017 public lecture, Forsberg stated that between 15 and 20 years of age, she defined herself as a climber. She moved to the Swedish mountains at age 18 and worked as a waitress in the Storulvån Mountain Lodge in the Åre Ski Area, where she convinced her boss to send her to a baking course. While living in Storulvån, Forsberg ran in the mountains in her spare time for the love of nature, for the fun of it, and as a means of transportation.
Early Career:
Forsberg’s first serious trail race was the Swedish Fjällmaraton in 2009. She had borrowed a backpack from a friend and brought a chocolate mud cake that she had baked. Before the last big ascent, she stopped for 20 minutes and ate the cake, got new energy, and won the race. Two years later, she was back, did not stop to eat en route, and improved her time by 30 minutes. In 2014, as an established world-class runner, Forsberg was back again, improved her time by another 30 minutes, and set a new course record.
In 2011, Forsberg worked at the Turtagrø Hotel in Hurrungane on the outskirts of Jotunheimen National Park in Norway. In May 2012, she was invited to run in an international trail event, Zegama-Aizkorri Mendi Maratoia, where she finished in 3rd place. Her following trail event in July 2012, the Dolomites Skyrace, she won. Forsberg said, It was insane. It was cool to realize that what
Awards:
– European Skyrunning Champion (2013)
– Skyrunning World Champion (2013, 2014)
– Four-time winner of the Mont-Blanc Marathon (2012, 2013, 2014, 2017)
– Winner of the Transvulcania Ultramarathon (2013)
– Winner of the Tromsø Skyrace (2017)
– Winner of the Zegama-Aizkorri Mendi Maratoia (2018)
Emelie Forsberg’s career in trail running and ski mountaineering has been nothing short of remarkable. With multiple victories and championships to her name, she has established herself as one of the leading athletes in her field. However, it is not just her athletic prowess that sets her apart. Forsberg’s infectious passion, love of life, and constant smile have made her an inspiration to people all over the world. Her dedication to her sport and her ability to overcome challenges serve as a testament to the strength and determination of women in sports. Emelie Forsberg is not just a trailblazer in her field; she is a trailblazer for women’s history.