Visa Issues Sideline Swedish Shot Putter Axelina Johansson from World Championship

Swedish shot putter Axelina Johansson dreamed of the indoor World Championship in China. But after visa problems, the 24-year-old is stopped. We tried to find different routes, but it didn't work, says federation captain Kajsa Bergqvist to SVT.

» Published: March 20 2025

Visa Issues Sideline Swedish Shot Putter Axelina Johansson from World Championship
Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

Sweden has sent eleven active athletes to the Indoor World Championship in Nanjing, which begins on Friday night.

One who had intended to participate is Axelina Johansson – but her name is missing due to problems with obtaining a visa.

The 24-year-old lives and studies at college in Nebraska, USA, and has been fully occupied with competing in the American championships last week, which she won in superior style. Therefore, she did not have time to obtain a visa.

It has been a challenge to obtain a visa, and we had to prepare in advance, but Axelina Johansson unfortunately did not succeed, says Kajsa Bergqvist.

To apply for a visa to China, it is required that one appears in person at an embassy or consulate. To solve the problem, the shot putter from Småland would have needed to travel to Chicago or New York, in the middle of the college season.

She tried in different ways, and we from the association tried to find different routes, but you have to be present in person, says Bergqvist.

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By TTTranslated and adapted by Sweden Herald
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