The formal application for Swedish citizenship for Milla Ruud Reitan was submitted to the Swedish Migration Board on December 1.
"In December I had been in Sweden for two years. We have to follow the Migration Board's rules like everyone else," says the Norwegian in connection with this weekend's Swedish Championship competitions in Landskrona.
Didn't want to celebrate
During the fall, the pair missed out on securing an Olympic quota place during the qualifiers in Beijing by just 0.23 points, but when Finland recently declined a place, it went to Sweden.
Then it was a quick scramble to get all the paperwork in order for the application.
We were very happy, but I don't think any of us wanted to celebrate too much. Because we also know that it's not certain yet. Right now we don't know much more than anyone else, really," says 20-year-old Ruud Reitan.
In the context of the World Cup and European Championship, there are not the same rules requiring common citizenship. What is happening now is beyond their control, the duo say.
Only when the Swedish passport is in port – at the latest by the end of January – can the ice dance pair be selected by the Swedish Olympic Committee (SOK). The ice dance in Milan starts on February 9 with the rhythmic dance.
“Long career ahead of us”
"We have done our part as athletes and performed what we are supposed to. We have to take it as it comes, plain and simple. If this Olympics doesn't happen, we have a long career ahead of us," says the Norwegian.
Shortly after they began their venture together in the summer of 2023, they also became a couple off the ice and they live together in Norrköping.
"We're working hard, as usual. Now it may not look like we're too stressed. But it's clear, it's like a little thing in the back. We're trying to put it aside so we don't have sleepless nights," says 25-year-old Nikolaj Mayorov.
A person who is a citizen of another Nordic country and who has not lived in Sweden for five years may apply for citizenship. A basic requirement is that they have lived in Sweden for at least two years.
Nordic citizens who have lived in Sweden for at least five years can apply to become a Swedish citizen. There are lower requirements when applying for citizenship.
Source: Swedish Migration Board website.
