Biography:
Ida Nilsson (born 8 February 1981) is a Swedish long-distance runner who also competes in ski mountaineering. She is known for her incredible talent and relentless dedication to her sport. Throughout her career, Nilsson has achieved remarkable success and has overcome various challenges to establish herself as one of the most accomplished athletes in her field.
Nilsson hails from Kalmar in the flat southern Sweden, where she grew up in a sports family. Both her father, Carl-Gustaf Calle, and mother, Katarina, competed at an elite level. Her two brothers, Marcus and David, and her sister, Johanna, have also belonged to the Swedish national team in athletics. The Nilsson family’s athletic prowess was showcased at the 2002 Swedish cross country championships, where they won an astounding four gold medals, one silver, and one bronze.
Education played a crucial role in Nilsson’s journey. From 2001 to 2005, she studied at the Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, USA. Alongside her sister, Johanna Nilsson, she ran for the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks collegiate team and experienced considerable success. In 2004, Nilsson won the NCAA collegiate outdoor championships in the 3000 m steeplechase and the 2005 indoor championships in the 5000 m. Both sisters were ranked in the top three of a 2014 poll of the greatest women’s athletes in the Big Sky Conference, ultimately earning them induction into the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Hall of Fame.
Nilsson’s dominance in long-distance running became evident during the first years of the 21st century. She excelled in the 5000 meters and 3000 m steeplechase events, proving her excellence as a versatile athlete. In 2003, she was awarded the prestigious Stora grabbars och tjejers märke for her outstanding sports achievements. At the 2006 European Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Nilsson finished seventh in the 3000m steeplechase, setting a remarkable Swedish national record of 9:39:24.
Furthermore, Nilsson participated in the 2005 World Championships in Athletics held in Helsinki, showcasing her skills on the global stage. Her personal best for the 5000 m is an impressive 15:33.18, highlighting her exceptional speed and endurance. However, her journey was not without its hurdles. After leaving college in Arizona, Nilsson faced a series of injuries, including a stress fracture in her hip joint in 2009. The injury significantly hindered her performance, and she decided to give up her track and field career.
Despite these setbacks, Nilsson refused to be discouraged. After a five-year hiatus from running, she made a triumphant comeback, showcasing her talents in a new sport: ski mountaineering. In 2016, she won the Swedish championship in ski mountaineering, proving her versatility and determination to overcome challenges.
A few months later, Nilsson achieved an incredible feat by winning the prestigious Transvulcania ultramarathon. This victory solidified her status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of endurance sports. Nilsson’s resilience, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to her craft have catapulted her into the ranks of the most accomplished athletes in women’s history.
Awards:
– Stora grabbars och tjejers märke (2003)