Aronsson Elfman, 23, and Öhlund, 20, have both established themselves in the alpine national team in recent years, competing in World Cups and at the Olympics. Öhlund was particularly impressive when she competed for medals in the slalom earlier this year, in her Olympic debut.
After the announcement that the alpine national team has major financial problems, the duo has now been sponsored by Christer Gardell.
It's fantastic that there are people who support athletes in this way, that he believes in you and wants to help, says Öhlund.
Camps and fitness trainers
Öhlund does not want to go into exactly how much money is involved.
It will be enough for a few camps and to pay my fitness trainer. It will be enough for my expenses in sports, so to speak.
Öhlund criticizes the system in Swedish sports that forces athletes to seek individual sponsors.
It's really sad. It would be fantastic if the state and the business community helped athletes. You become "news" about skiers from other countries who have a stable monthly income as soon as they join a national team.
Supported 20 athletes
As a child, athletes made you want to move, so they are still important people in society, says Öhlund.
Christer Gardell has previously provided financial support to around 20 athletes, including alpine skier Felix Monsén.
I think it is important that we have successful elite sports, and I know that many people in elite sports live under very tough financial conditions, says Gardell.
“An obligation”
Gardell finds it "distressing" that he even needs to step in and help elite athletes financially, that they don't earn enough from the sport.
I encourage people in my position to help. I almost feel like it's an obligation, if you have what I have, to give back and help where you can.
Christer Gardell, 65 years old, is a Swedish financier, venture capitalist and co-founder of Cevian Capital.
He has been a major sponsor of Swedish sports for a few years now. Among the athletes he supports are Jonna Sundling, cross-country skiing, Sara Hector, alpine skiing, and Walter Wallberg, moguls.
Gardell has a great interest in tennis and has found himself at the center of the conflict in the Swedish Tennis Association. He has offered to invest 100 million kronor in Swedish tennis in exchange for influence over the association's board.
