Rissveds first tried mountain biking at age seven. Her father introduced her and her brother to the sport. She quickly excelled, leading to a successful career. In 2016, she won an Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro, becoming the first Swedish athlete to achieve this feat in mountain biking.

Challenges and Comeback

Despite her early success, Rissveds faced significant challenges. In 2016, she injured a ligament in her hand during a competition. She also suffered from illness and an elbow injury that year, affecting her training and competition schedule.

In 2017, a family bereavement led to depression and an eating disorder. She took a year off from the sport but returned in July 2018. Despite ongoing struggles with self-confidence, she continued to compete and inspire others.

Awards and Recognition

Rissveds has received numerous accolades throughout her career. She was named Post Cyclist of the Year in 2015 and 2019 by PostNord. In 2020, she received the Fair Play Award at the Swedish Sports Gala.

Team31 Initiative

In early 2019, Rissveds founded Team31, a mountain bike team named after the 31st article of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The team aims to inspire young people to be active, try new sports, and stay away from harmful substances.

"Our main focus on the team is to inspire and preserve children's right to play, be active, and recover," Rissveds said.

Personal Life

Rissveds resides in Falun, Sweden, with her partner Oliwer Kangas, who has also represented Sweden in mountain biking on the World Cup circuit. She speaks English and Swedish fluently.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Rissveds plans to continue competing at the highest level while also focusing on her Team31 initiative. She aims to inspire more young people to engage in sports and lead healthy lifestyles.

Jenny Rissveds' journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges, she has continued to excel in her sport while making a positive impact on young athletes through her initiatives.