The four Junior teams from Sweden - Team Moonlights, Team Eternity, Team Seaside and Team Spirit -. (Credits: Ice Galaxy, Mats Althin - 2024)

Sweden's synchronized skating skaters and fans are buzzing with excitement as four junior teams prepare for the 2025 ISU World Junior Championships in Gothenburg. These teams—Team Spirit, Team Seaside, Team Moonlights, and Team Eternity—are not only vying for spots at this prestigious event, but also showcasing their dedication, creativity, and passion for the sport.

Team Spirit, the oldest junior team in Sweden, enters the season with 19 skaters coached by Helena Ericson and Lena Ehrenborg. Their short program, “Becoming Human,” explores self-discovery and human emotions, while their free program, “Helios,” pays homage to the eternal dance of day and night.

At the first qualifier, Team Spirit broke their free program score record but noted that achieving their desired technical levels remains a challenge. Illness among skaters created additional hurdles during practices. Despite these setbacks, their performances earned them second place in both qualifiers.

“It feels extra special that the Junior Worlds is in Gothenburg this year,” the team shared. Hosting at home brings additional motivation to represent Sweden on the global stage.

With 23 skaters aged 15-19 and led by Therese Hillberg and Jenny Sandberg, Team Seaside has made a strong statement this season. Their short program, “Cry Me a River,” speaks of the emotions linked to betrayal, while their free program, “Bermuda Triangle,” delves into the mysteries of this infamous maritime region.

Team Seaside won gold in both qualifiers this season, setting an all-time high free skating score in the second. Overcoming a last-minute lineup adjustment due to an injured captain showcased their resilience. “We focused on what our coach always says: ‘We can, we will, we do it together.’” This cohesive spirit is propelling them toward their goal of securing one of Sweden’s two spots for Junior Worlds.

Team Moonlights, a group of 24 skaters, is coached by Sarah Vuoppola, Elin Bryngelsson Lidestedt, and Catherine Tessier. Their short program, “Dance of the Desert,” celebrates the mystique and vitality of desert landscapes, while their free program, “Stages of Grief,” journeys through human resilience and hope.

Despite challenges from illness and injuries, Moonlights hit significant technical benchmarks, achieving desired levels on multiple elements in both programs. “Performing our programs and connecting with the audience were definite highlights,” the team noted. Their passion for synchronized skating fuels their aim to improve scores and deliver heartfelt performances this season.

“This season, our main goals are to continue growing as individuals and as a team, improve our scores, and for each competition deliver performances where we truly connect with the judges, audience and ourselves! We also aim to be a close team where everyone supports each other, and to create unforgettable memories on and off the ice,” said the team.

Formed in late 2023, Team Eternity is the newest junior team, with 18 skaters coached by Angelica Söderberg, Lovisa Lindblad, and Sofie Bergenholtz. Their short program, inspired by the Swedish film The Abyss, and free program, “Danger of the Desert,” combine technical ambition with narrative depth.

Making their debut at the first qualification was a milestone for this young team. By the second event, they surpassed their personal bests and even outperformed another junior team in the free program. “It’s a proud moment for us, especially given our club’s long hiatus from having a junior team,” they shared. Their enthusiasm and commitment promise great things for the future.

The selection process, managed by the National Swedish Skating Federation, will determine which teams will represent the nation. Scores from qualifiers and international competitions are averaged, and teams must meet ISU technical score thresholds. The stakes are high, but so is the excitement. Sweden will have two teams competing. 

Hosting the Junior Worlds in Gothenburg is a monumental moment for all teams. As Team Moonlights summarized: “We’re proud to show what Sweden and Gothenburg have to offer.” 

So look forward to 2025, and mark your calendars for March 7 and 8 in Gothenburg.