Adrian Schultheiss was born in Kungsbacka, Sweden and began skating at the age of three. He was the Swedish novice champion in 2002 before debuting internationally the next season. Schultheiss skated as a junior through the end of the 2008 season, although by 2005 he had already begun competing as a senior in some international events. In 2006, Schultheiss won the Swedish National championships. In 2007–08, he skated in both senior and junior events and finished a career-best 6th at the 2008 Europeans. He was 13th at 2008 Worlds. The next season, he was 18th at both events.