As an active player, Jonsson represented Sweden for many years, with an Olympic silver in the 50-kilometre race in Nagano in 1998 as his main achievement. After his career, Jonsson has, among other things, sat on the International Ski Federation's cross-country committee and was a member of the Swedish Skiing Federation's cross-country council.
He has also worked in business and served as an expert commentator for HBO Max during the Olympics.
"I joined the junior national team 40 years ago and you could say that cross-country skiing has been a very big part of my life, as an active member, leader and community member. It feels great to take over the role of national team manager," says Jonsson at a press conference.
He will take up the role on June 15 and now plans to speak with all coaches and athletes.
"Niklas ran the fastest"
"The first period is always just about learning and seeing. We won ten medals at the last Olympics and I don't think we should make too many big changes," he says.
Head of cross-country Lars Öberg is very pleased with the choice:
"It feels fantastically fun. It's a very important piece of the puzzle, both in the long and short term. I have high hopes and expectations that we will make good things even better, but above all that we will fix what may not have been a hundred percent last year," he says.
Öberg describes the process as being very long and meticulous. Among others, coaches and athletes have had their say.
"There were three people who made it all the way to the final round, but Niklas ran the fastest," he says.
Replaces after "media drive"
Jonsson comes to a national team that has had a turbulent period.
Former national team manager Anders Byström resigned at his own request at the end of March after coming under heavy scrutiny. The dissatisfaction was initially internal but eventually reached the Swedish media and became a media drive - as Öberg put it.
The criticism included lack of communication, weak leadership and the handling of Linn Svahn during the Olympics.
The new national team manager saw the storm from the outside and wants to emphasize that the national team has had a very successful period.
"We must be self-critical, see what has not worked and change it quickly," says Jonsson.
Niklas Jonsson competed in four Olympic Games during his active career.
