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Historic Rivalry Fuels Engagement of Competing Olympic Hockey Players

KVIA•Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM•CNN Newsource

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At the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, a unique rivalry will unfold on the ice as Anna Kjellbin and Ronja Savolainen, both elite hockey players, compete for their respective nations—Sweden and Finland. Kjellbin, the captain of Sweden's women's national team, aims for gold after a quarterfinal finish in 2022, while Savolainen seeks to build on Finland's impressive past performances. Despite their fierce competition, the couple, engaged since 2024, maintains a loving relationship. The event will also highlight LGBTQ+ representation, with a record 48 out athletes participating, including 22 women in hockey, showcasing the sport's growing inclusivity. This rivalry not only represents athletic competition but also reflects a deeper historical context between the two nations.

Key Details: • 2026 Winter Olympics scheduled in Milan Cortina. • Anna Kjellbin is the captain of Sweden's women's ice hockey team. • Ronja Savolainen previously contributed to Finland's success in the 2019 World Championship. • Record 48 out LGBTQ+ athletes will compete, with 22 in women's hockey. • LGBTQ+ visibility in women's sports is significantly higher than in men's.

olympics lgbtq finland hockey sweden

People & Organizations

Milan CortinaAnna KjellbinRonja Savolainen

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