Anna Kjellbin will play for Sweden and Ronja Savolainen for Finland at the Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina. The pair could meet in the knockout stages of the tournament. However, it is clear to both of them that romance plays no role in Milan.
It is one of the special love stories of the Olympic Games: Anna Kjellbin and Ronja Savolainen. Both are professional players in the North American Professional League (PWHL). Kjellbin plays for the Toronto Sceptres, while Savolainen is signed with the Ottawa Charge. They both met in Sweden. After five years together, they announced their engagement in 2024.
“She is my opponent on the ice”
However, when they play against each other, they ignore the relationship. “I don’t care who’s in front of me, if it’s her, I’ll check her out. When you play, you just play. You don’t really think about who is there. “On the ice, she’s my opponent.”” said Savolainen about playing against her fiancée.
In Cortina both take part in the Olympic ice hockey tournament for their countries. These are the first games for Kjellbin. Savolainen won the bronze medal with Finland in Beijing 2022.
Swedish international Anna Kjellbin plays for the Toronto Sceptres.
Romance plays no role at the Olympics
However, a meeting between the fiancées is only possible in the knockout round. Savolainen confidently stated: “II’m usually the one who goes home from the duels as the winner.”
Romance doesn’t play a role in Milan, they both agree. It’s a work trip and on the ice it’s not about love, but about sport and your own performance. When asked about the on-ice fights that occasionally occur in ice hockey, Savolainen replied: “No, I don’t think this kind of fight will ever happen. But I don’t care who I check, I’ll just check.”
30 open queer players under contract
The PHWL, in which both play, is considered a particularly role model for queer and same-sex couples. There are 30 openly queer players under contract in the league. In addition, after being encouraged by Kjellbin, Savolainen publicly acts as a role model for people with ADHD.
The fact that pairs compete against each other in women’s ice hockey in the league is nothing unusual. However, the fact that Kjellbin and Savolainen are now playing for Olympic medals for their nations is attracting particular attention. Even if romance and competition are close together, precious metal would probably be the most beautiful love and success story of the Olympic Games for both.
