Copied Roots: "The Gesture is Really Cool"

Table tennis star Truls Möregårdh achieved great success with double silver in the Olympic Games in Paris.

Now Möregårdh is being recognized on another level.

The 22-year-old has been awarded Anders Carlberg's memorial prize as "young role model of the year", which is presented by Fryshuset.

The motivation states, among other things, that Möregårdh "has inspired a whole new generation of young people to start playing table tennis; an accessible sport that is open to everyone regardless of background and place of residence".

It feels really cool, of course. It feels like it's not just about table tennis, but that you've done something right as a person too. That people like your personality and that you can contribute with more than just playing good table tennis, he says.

Life after table tennis

It's hard to take in when you hear about kids playing table tennis during recess who don't play "king" anymore, but "Truls". You almost need to see it with your own eyes, and when you do, you get really moved.

Even outside of table tennis, Möregårdh is now both a star and a power factor. A responsibility he wants to take as much as possible.

I don't just want to disappear and show up again at the next Olympic Games. I think there are many athletes who can do that and neglect to take advantage of something like an Olympic silver.

I'm happy to share a lot of my life and be visible.

Tribute to the superstar

Something that has become significant for Möregårdh is his victory gesture, where he goes down on one knee.

But in last week's World Tour event in Frankfurt, he chose another one. Namely, football star Viktor Gyökeres' goal celebration.

I think the gesture is really cool. But I was a bit worried about whether he would appreciate it or not. You shouldn't just take someone's victory gesture like that.

Fortunately, the Sporting striker gave a thumbs up.