"Bang it into my head that I should be proud"

Disappointed with her performance and over the missed chance for an Olympic Games medal. At the same time, Linda Bergström felt pride – and confidence in the future. I hope this makes the younger girls continue to invest and see that it's possible to make a living from the sport. We have a fun life, says the table tennis star.

» Published: August 06 2024

"Bang it into my head that I should be proud"
Photo: Henrik Montgomery/TT

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Only 15 hours after the upset victory and the night's revelry against Hong Kong, Sweden went out to the quarterfinals in the team tournament against South Korea.

It was never close to a new upset.

South Korea was clearly better in all matches and won 3–0.

Right now it's pretty tough. But I'm trying to bang it into my head that I should be proud, says Linda Bergström.

Lost the key match

If Sweden is to shake a world nation like South Korea, it requires Linda Bergström to lead the team.

She did so against Hong Kong with great play and two wins.

Against South Korea, she lost the key match against Lee Eun-hye, 1–3 in sets.

She was clearly dissatisfied with her play, often slapping her arms and shaking her head after missed balls.

She plays smart tactically and I don't get it. That playing style is difficult for me overall, says Bergström.

I felt like I didn't get in. I could have done it better.

"Magical match"

Bergström's loss meant a 0–2 deficit in matches and a tough uphill climb for Sweden. Too tough.

Christina Källberg did what she could against Jeon Ji-Hee, ranked 15th in the world, but fell 1–3 – and thus Sweden's Olympic Games were over.

When it sinks in, we should be proud that we even made it to the Olympic Games and beat the reigning bronze medalists yesterday (read Monday), says Källberg.

It was a magical match. Probably my best memory in my entire life.

It was the first time the Swedish women qualified for the team tournament in the Olympic Games and were the lowest ranked of all 16 teams.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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