Swedish sprinter Nora Lindahl has applied for a transfer of allegiance too Finland, a move that requires approval from World Athletics (WA). The 200-meter athlete, who represented Sweden at the 2023 World Championships, has frequently competed in Finland and expressed a strong desire to run for the nation internationally.WA is currently considering a request to waive the standard three-year waiting period for athletes changing countries, a decision that could impact Lindahl’s eligibility for upcoming major competitions including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Nora Lindahl, a Swedish track and field athlete, has applied to compete internationally for Finland, a move currently under review by the World Athletics (WA) governing body.
Lindahl, born in Luxembourg to a Swedish mother and Finnish father, has strong ties to both countries. She has represented Sweden in major competitions, including the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, but has also frequently competed in Finland, even running for HIFK in national relay championships.
“I love to compete in Finland”
The Finnish Athletics Federation has submitted a request to WA to shorten the standard three-year waiting period required for athletes switching national allegiances. Lindahl’s previous representation of Sweden means the waiting period could extend until fall 2028 without a waiver.
“I love to compete in Finland. The atmosphere is always at its peak and the athletes are friendly towards each other,” Lindahl told Yle.
The application is now with WA’s transfer review committee. Lindahl acknowledges the process could take time and impact her competition schedule.
“It’s up to WA to decide. I just have to wait for their decision. I have accepted that I will miss the European Championships in Birmingham and the World Championships in Beijing. But I hope to be able to compete in LA 2028,” Lindahl stated to Expressen.
Lindahl currently ranks third in Swedish history in the 200-meter event, with a personal best of 22.88 seconds, trailing only Julia Henriksson (22.69) and Linda Haglund (22.82). A potential switch to Finland could open new opportunities for the sprinter as she aims for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The decision by WA will be closely watched by athletics fans in both Sweden and Finland.
