PHOTO: Bildbyrån
The Olympic success meant a gigantic breakthrough in front of the broad masses.
Now a brand new celebrity awaits Truls Möregårdh, David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig.
– There are a lot of people who recognize us and we are not at all used to that, says Hellvig.
The trio was by no means unknown in Sweden before the Olympics in Paris. But in front of the broad masses, the successes still meant an impact on a completely new level.
Something they notice clearly.
The time after the Olympics – where the table tennis player Möregårdh won two silvers and the beach volleyball duo David Ohman and Jonathan Hellvig won gold – has been marked by praise from many quarters and lots of interviews.
– It is really noticeable that it has had a greater impact than anything we have done before. It’s super fun, says Åhman.
The under-the-radar pair Åhman/Hellvig already had two EC golds and a WC silver on their track record. The Olympic gold is of course the loudest.
– It is a little difficult to realize how big it has become. It’s super fun that so many people have watched beach volleyball and our matches, says Hellvig.
“It’s special”
He says that he clearly notices that many more people recognize him now than before he went to the French capital.
– It happens that people come up and say congratulations, someone wants to take a picture… There are a lot of people who recognize us and we are not at all used to that. So it’s a bit special.
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Both are also noticing an upswing in beach volleyball as a sport. In connection with an Olympic celebration in central Stockholm, scores of people have turned up to challenge the duo on a makeshift level.
– It’s super fun that it’s gotten so much attention and hopefully more people can open their eyes to beach volleyball, says Åhman.
Truls Möregårdh looks at the beach volleyball duo and notes a similar effect around table tennis.
– I think those guys recognize themselves. That our sports have not been super big in Sweden. But now ping-pong has really come back into the great room. Many play table tennis again and love the sport, says Möregårdh.
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He also notices how more people come forward on the street and want to talk to him.
– People say congratulations or want to shake one’s hand. It feels special and super fun.
How do you see your increased celebrity?
– It’s hard to take in, of course. You go from one night to the next… It was a bit like that during the Olympics. I never thought the Olympics would have such a big impact. I really noticed that it is something really extra.
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