"A dream to be able to develop two careers"

Jönköping University (JU) has been an Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU) since 2015. The Swedish Sports Confederation has now extended the agreement until 2030.

"It's a dream to be able to develop two careers," says Siri Kling Andersson, who is studying to become an orthopedic engineer at the School of Health and Welfare at JU while also compeeting at an elite level in the alpine discipline speed skiing.

EAFU has been developed by the Swedish Sports Confederation to enable elite athletes to combine their athletic careers with higher education through individually adapted studies, flexibility, and support for dual careers.

"It's fantastic that we have received renewed confidence from the Swedish Sports Confederation. It shows that we provide our EAFU students the right conditions to succeed in dual careers. This is made possible thanks to all the programme, course, and internship coordinators involved at the schools who are doing a fantastic job,” says Mona Sörman, study advisor and EAFU coordinator at JU.

"Crucial for students pursuing elite sports"

JU currently has 36 EAFU students in nine sports, primarily floorball, handball, and volleyball.

"For elite students, EAFU is often crucial if they want to continue their sporting careers. Most of them cannot make a living from their sport and need an education to fall back on," says Mona Sörman.

Siri Kling Andersson is the youngest Swede to have skied over 200 km/h in the alpine speed skiing discipline, with a personal best of 214 km/h.

"I think I'll be going even faster soon. Speed skiing is my free zone where I feel most comfortable and can give vent to my competitive instinct," says Siri.

"Now I can do both"

She enjoys being an EAFU student, but mentions that priorities are necessary in both student life and sports.

"Without EAFU, I would have had to give up my sports career or postpone my education, but now I can do both."

Siri has silver medals from the Junior World Championships and Swedish Championships, as well as a third place in the World Cup. She does her basic training in Jönköping and travels to Idre and ski resorts in France, Spain, and Andorra during the winter for combined training camps and competitions.

"I have chosen an education that is not available anywhere else in Sweden and a sport that requires me to be away for long periods of time. It would have been impossible without considerable support from the university."

"A good combination for me"

Axel Almfors started with a technical foundation year at the School of Engineering (JTH) at JU, which secured him a place on one of the school's engineering programs. He chose the five-year Master of Science in Engineering, Building technology programme, which he enjoys. Axel is an EAFU student and plays volleyball for Habo Wolley in in the Swedish "Eliteserien" (Sweden’s top volleyball league).

"The combination of studies and sports works well for me. Of course, it's demanding to play sports at an elite level while also juggling exams, studying, and friends. You need to stay highly focused on your studies if you want to keep up. It's about taking responsibility and, for example, studying on the way to and the way back from matches," says Axel.

"It's all about priorities"

Axel trains four times a week, plays one to two matches, and completes three gym sessions.

"It's all about priorities. During exam periods, extra planning is required for meals, sleep, and studies. Quite often matches clash with exams, but as an EAFU student, you can reschedule exams or assignments deadlines. In addition, Mona Sörman and her colleagues are always there for support and guidance."

Axel plays in the starting lineup for Habo Wolley, which came second in the Elitserien in 2023. He has won gold in all Swedish youth classes in volleyball and took gold in the Nordic Championships with the U19 national team.

"It's great to compete against the best in Sweden and always face strong opposition. I like how you work together to beat the other team in volleyball, which creates a great team spirit"