Vasaloppet's Kranskulla and Kransmas for the 100th anniversary year 2022 are Wilma Björkman and Edvin Nilsson

The first Kranskulla appeared in connection with the very first Vasaloppet in 1922 while the first Kransmas entered the scene alongside the first Tjejvasan in 1988. Since 2005, the Kransmas also awards the victory wreath to the women’s class winner of Vasaloppet. During Vasaloppet’s Summer Week, which started in 2009, the Kranskulla and Kransmas also crown the winners of Cykelvasan 90, Ultravasan 90 and 45, Vasastafetten and Vasakvartetten.

Vasaloppet celebrates 100 years in 2022. Wilma Björkman and Edvin Nilsson will not only award the victory wreaths in Vasaloppet and Tjejvasan during the Vasaloppet Winter Week 2022. They will also celebrate the winner of the spectacular Jubileumsvasan on February 12, when participants ski from Sälen to Mora using equipment from 1922.

Wilma Björkman has been named Vasaloppet’s Kranskulla 2022 with the following motivation:
”With deep roots in Mora and growing up active in all of IFK Mora’s sports alliance clubs; the athletics club alongside the football club, alpine club, gymnastics club, orienteering club and ski club, the 2022 Kranskulla is both a prominent athlete and an inspiring person.

As a young cross-country skier, she was one of the best in Sweden in her age group and she made her debut at the early age of 6 in Barnens Vasalopp. She has been a leader for young athletes and competed in most types of athletics, primarily hurdles and high jump.

With her appetite for life and openness to meet new people, the 2022 Kranskulla will spread both joy and energy as a representative of Vasaloppet during the anniversary year.

We are both proud and happy to introduce Wilma Björkman as Kranskulla and ambassador for Vasaloppet 2022. ”
Bo Johansson and Annlouise Almqvist, competition managers for Vasaloppet

Facts Vasaloppet’s Kranskulla 2022
Name: Wilma Björkman
Age: 20 (February 4, 2001)
Residence: Mora
Family: Mother Helena (Kranskulla 1993), father Mats, brothers Filip and Oliver.
Occupation: Currently working in Vasaloppet’s customer service team.
Sports: Cross-country skiing and athletics as a base, now trying new sports like wave surfing, dance and different gym sessions.
Merits: At the age of 15, competed successfully in the Swedish Championships for youths in athletics, alpine skiing and cross-country skiing.
Athletic goals: Feeling good and having fun; community and friendship is more important than achievements.
Interests: Besides sports it’s all about music; sometimes sings in a choir and has played violin. Is part of the singing quartet ”Snowflake” that performs on occasion.
Describe yourself with three words: Spontaneous, social and curious.

”At first I was shocked when they called and I got the question. But then I was very happy. It wasn’t something I expected, but of course it’s always been a bit of an underlying dream,” says Wilma Björkman.

”Sports have always been in the family and I have always been involved in different ways. It has given me a lot, especially joy and fellowship. I have made so many friends and contacts by being part of a sport and a club.

It is an honourable assignment and it feels great to get this opportunity. To get it this year, when Vasaloppet turns 100 years old, makes it feel all the bigger and more important. It’s a little overwhelming to take in.”

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Edvin Nilsson has been named Vasaloppet’s Kransmas 2022 with the following motivation:
”With a genuine sports interest, where technical details are as important as physical strength, the 2022 Kransmas has taken great strides towards the international elite thanks to his ambitious attitude, drive and love of sports. Despite a winding road that has involved injuries and various obstacles, he has never stopped fighting. This makes the 2022 Kransmas a great inspiration to his clubmates and young athletes in the association.

That skiing is the best thing he knows is as clear as the pride he shows for his home turf, where he has trained and competed for Sälens IF Alpina since childhood. Vasaloppet has always had a special significance for the whole family, who often acted as functionaries at the start place in Berga by.

We are both proud and happy to introduce Edvin Nilsson as Kransmas and ambassador for Vasaloppet 2022. ”
Helene Söderlund and Cathrine Mörk, competition managers for Tjejvasan

Facts Vasaloppet’s Kransmas 2022
Name: Edvin Nilsson
Age: 22 (July 31, 1999)
Residence: Sälen is the starting point, or I live out of a suitcase.
Family: Mother Marie, father Lars, sister Greta.
Occupation: Studying and alpine skiing.
Sports: Alpine skiing and golf.
Merits: Younger Swedish Junior Championship medal in slalom. Selected for the European youth Olympics 2017.
Athletic goals: Competing in the Olympics 2026. Winning the alpine slalom World Cup.
Interests: I love all sports. Right now golf interests me the most in the summer, besides that it’s skiing, of course.
Describe yourself with three words: Competitive, a bit stubborn and determined.

”I was surprised when I got the question but it will be great fun to represent Sälen and my village as Kransmas. It is absolutely going to be a bit of an honour,” says Edvin Nilsson.

”Being able to crown the winner with the victory wreath is what I’m looking forward to most about the assignment. That’s what I associate the most with the Kransmas. And getting to represent Sälen and the village, it will be amazing.”