Emilia Brangefält, once considered one of the brightest stars in Swedish athletics, tragically took her own life at the age of 21, igniting urgent discussions about mental health support for young athletes. Known for her remarkable performance, earning her place on the national team and even securing bronze at the 2022 Trail World Championships, Emilia’s story took a heartbreaking turn following tremendous pressure and the physical toll of her sport.
The rise of Emilia was meteoric. She dominated local trails and marathons, quickly establishing herself on the national stage. By her 20th birthday, she had not only become the fastest runner under her age group but had also signed lucrative endorsements, including one with Adidas. Her mother, Lotta Ulff, vividly recalls the excitement as packages of shoes and gear began pouring in. “It was like Christmas every day for her,” Lotta reminisces. But beneath this façade of success lay deep-seated issues.
Emilia’s struggles became more pronounced following her participation at the World Championships of Trail Running. Despite showing great promise, she faced overwhelming expectations which began to weigh heavily on her mental health. She suffered from physical ailments, including high liver values, which compounded her fears about health and performance. Lotta described how one traumatic incident during training caused Emilia to become fixated on the belief she had heart failure, leading to incessant anxiety and isolation.
According to her communications with friends shortly before her death, Emilia expressed feelings of despair. One of her last messages stated, “I feel like I’m done,” expressing regret over not resting properly after the World Championships. When her friend Victor Dahlgren reached out with encouragement, he was met with heartbreaking admissions about her mental and physical estado. “It feels like I’m burnt out,” she confided, illustrating the severe toll athletics was taking on her.
Lotta recalls how she tried to encourage her daughter to seek help: “I offered to be her coach again, just like when she was young and joyful about running.” But Emilia preferred to navigate her challenges alone, leading to increasing conflicts between the two. Despite Lotta’s repeated attempts to provide guidance on nutrition and training recovery, the pressure mounted, and Emilia’s situation deteriorated.
After participating at the World Championships where she finished fifth, Emilia seemed eager to return to the trails, yet her body had begun to fail her. She suffered bouts of extreme fatigue and was plagued by her fears of failing during physically demanding competitions. The stress of competition and the pressures from sponsors intensified her struggles, with Lotta noting, “She became obsessed with the need to perform, and it eroded everything else.”
Lotta believed the intense training regimen without adequate recovery led Emilia down the path to mental health struggles. Tragically, even after professional medical evaluations ruled out heart conditions, Emilia remained convinced of her deteriorated state, leading to severe emotional turmoil.
The day before Emilia's death, mother and daughter had their final altercation. “I sent her away, not realizing I was saying goodbye,” Lotta reflected. The heartbreaking truth behind this incident emphasizes the disconnection between their experiences. Lotta had no idea her daughter was feeling hopeless and isolated.
Following Emilia’s tragic passing on November 12, 2023, there has been a considerable outcry for advocacy around mental health resources for athletes. Stefan Olsson, General Secretary of the Swedish Athletics Federation, expressed deep remorse over the lack of sufficient support structures and acknowledged the discussions this incident sparked within the organization. “We must do more to address mental health concerns, and we are committed to changing this,” he stated.
The aftermath of Emilia’s death has prompted the federation to evaluate its approach to long-distance running and to assess necessary changes to support athletes’ mental well-being actively. Plans are underway to develop more inclusive training environments, focusing on recovery and awareness of mental health issues. Olsson remarked, “We acted on the signs we saw, but it’s painful to admit we may have missed others.”
Lotta's grief is palpable as she begins to channel her heartache toward creating the Emiliakliniken, where health professionals will provide on-site support for athletes during events. Inspired by Emilia's dreams, she hopes to establish safety nets for athletes facing similar pressures. “I want to keep her memory alive through this clinic. This was Emilia’s dream, and now I want to make it happen,” she asserts.
The enduring legacy of Emilia Brangefält remains one of both brilliant potential and devastating loss. Her mother reflects on the dichotomy present within her daughter’s life—the joy of competition shadowed by intense hardship. “She was much more than her running, yet she felt she was only defined by her sport,” Lotta explains, urging others to recognize the signs of mental distress before it’s too late.
The tragic loss raises pressing questions about the responsibility of sports organizations and the need for proactive measures to safeguard the mental health of young athletes. Emilia’s story will likely serve as both a cautionary tale and a clarion call for change. Perhaps one of the most poignant reminders lies within the sentiment captured by her friends: “Run to the future, Emilia. Your legacy will inspire those who come after you.”
