They are Sweden’s two greatest high jumpers ever.
But Stefan Holm and Patrik Sjöberg have no relationship today.
– I can manage, says Holm to Expressen.
They are not so similar, Holm and Sjöberg. But the duo has one thing in common. Both have achieved enormous success and are heroes in Swedish sports history, after all the magnificent moments at the high jump mat.
The idol Sjöberg
Patrik Sjöberg broke the world record when he jumped 2.42. Stefan Holm won double Olympic gold, four WC gold, two EC gold and eleven SM gold. Holm’s track record is perhaps better, but only Sjöberg broke the world record. One might think that Sjöberg and Holm should be friends, considering the amazing careers they had in the same sport, but that is far from the truth.
But when Holm grew up, it was Sjöberg who was the big idol. Holm cheered at home on the TV sofa when Sjöberg broke the world record. As a 15-year-old, he saw Sjöberg jump live for the first time, at Finnkampen.
– He was Swedish and one of the world’s best. That year I had won the youth championship and I also wanted to be one of the best in the world.
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The relationship today
But over the years, Holm and Sjöberg have hurled insults at each other, and they don’t seem to agree on who actually had the best career. But it has nothing to do with jealousy, says Holm.
– Jealous is one thing I am not. Obviously, I would have loved to break the world record – and it was a great moment when he did it at the Stadium. But I would have liked to have two Olympic golds as well. I am very happy about my career, he tells Expressen.
However, he seems more than satisfied not to actually have any kind of relationship with Sjöberg today.
– Now me and Patrik haven’t had anything to do with each other for ten years. We have no exchange of seeing each other, I manage very well anyway, he says.
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