Solveig Malmkvist was the first woman in the Nordics to take the sixth degree of black belt in judo, then 80 years old.
But on Sunday, the now 90-year-old judo professional struck again.
As the first woman in the Nordics, she took 7 dan. Then both diplomas and massive applause awaited.
– I was the first to take 6 dan, so I’m used to it because it was ten years ago, she says.
During the 1970s, she was responsible for women’s judo in Sweden and later became
she one of handicap judo’s (currently A-judo) real pioneers, writes Judo.se.
There are a total of ten degrees of black belt in judo, but no other woman in the Nordics has reached Malmkvist’s judo heights.
– Taking seventh had never crossed my mind, she says and continues:
– It is not on the map when you start.
Strangle a German
During her long judo career, she has managed a lot. But one memory that stands out a little in particular is an occasion when she was pitted against a German opponent – who greatly underestimated Malmkvist’s cooking technique.
– It was a German with a brown belt who had sought out our club and wanted to attend an away match. I really managed to strangle him – so then he had to think again, she says.
“Really felt like ET“
In 1962, Solveig entered the world of judo. She was then thirty years old and a single woman.
– When I threw open the door, it became completely quiet and everyone turned around. You really felt like ET.
But even though it was lonely in the beginning, judo found a given place in Solveig Malmkvist’s heart. Today, she has been at it for over 60 years. In addition to competing and training herself, she has dedicated herself to helping others develop. Everything from women to children and people with disabilities.
– It’s like finding a home in the world. You feel that ‘This is where I should be’, she says.
Despite her knee no longer being able to train herself, Solveig still spends a lot of time inspiring others and still keeps training.
– You take care of each other instead of bullying each other, she says.