The first German female Vasalopp veteran once competed for the OVGU
Silvana Friedrich has taken part in the Vasalopp cross-country skiing race 30 times
90 kilometres on skis, from Sälen to Mora. Once a year in Sweden, the international cross-country skiing community takes on the challenge of the Vasalopp. For OVGU alumna Silvana Friedrich, it has long been more than just a race: In 2026, she completed the Vasalopp for the 30th time, having skied a total of 2,700 kilometres. This places her among a very small circle of particularly enduring participants and has earned her the title of ‘Vasalopp Veteran’ in Sweden. Particularly remarkable: to date, only 22 women – all of whom were from Sweden – have reached this extraordinary milestone. Silvana Friedrich is the first German woman to hold the title of ‘Vasalopp Veteran’.
The race, which traditionally takes place on the first Sunday in March, is considered the oldest and longest cross-country skiing competition of its kind and attracts around 18,000 athletes from all over the world every year – including world-class competitors. For a group from Magdeburg University Sports, the story with the Vasalopp began as far back as 1994. Back then, 17 active participants set off for Sweden. Among them was Silvana Friedrich, a student at the time, who now works as a primary school teacher in Lower Saxony. The atmosphere in Sweden was, time and time again, incredible. For a whole week, the Magdeburg group were looked after with great care by their Swedish friends. They not only experienced an extraordinary race, but also the special sense of community surrounding the Vasalopp.
The trip was actually intended to be a one-off experience. But it became a tradition. For many years, the former employee of the University Sports Center, Dr Wolfgang Kopplin, led the cross-country skiing courses in Sweden. For those interested, these always culminated in taking part in the Vasa Race. The enthusiasm for the Vasalopp endured. Since 1994, a total of 85 skiing enthusiasts from Magdeburg’s university sports programme have completed the traditional course – together they have racked up 363 participations. Some of them have achieved particularly impressive milestones in the process. In Sweden, a bronze medal is awarded for ten successful participations, and a silver medal for 20. Having completed her 30th successful participation, Silvana Friedrich has now been awarded the gold medal this summer. She also receives a lifetime right to compete in the Vasalopp. In future, her race number will be personally assigned to her.
TEXT: Ines Perl