48-year-old Bergqvist, previously a world star in high jump, met 30-year-old Almgren for the first time when the runner was a child and already a talent.
After his World Championship bronze on 10,000 meters, tears ran down the cheeks of the athletics national team's captain.
I have followed Andreas since he was a little boy. He was my dad's big favorite who he always engaged in. It's very special, says Kajsa Bergqvist to the gathered media.
”Crossed paths”
Almgren:
She and I have crossed paths, since we were in the same club for so long too, he says.
It's fun to get this with her.
The bronze medalist had also wanted to share the moment with Bergqvist's dad Gunnar, who is no longer alive.
I know he was very fond of middle- and long-distance running. He was always present on all Swedish Championship trips and you had interesting conversations with him at dinners. It would have been fun if he were still alive and got to experience this.
”Incredibly happy”
Almgren's medal was not only Sweden's first in Tokyo but the runner's first in international contexts. Previously, the illness- and injury-plagued runner has four fourth places at the European Championship.
I am so incredibly happy for Andreas' sake. It's so many times before you've hoped and suffered with him, ups and downs. It means incredibly much, says Bergqvist and continues:
He is already an incredible role model. It's not just for how he runs but for his attitude and his entire fantastic, humble person. It means enormously much for Swedish running.
