Olympic Hero: "Thinking of my poor parents"

Kristian Karlsson turned 33 on Tuesday and was celebrated by his teammates. The day after, he received the finest of all gifts – the chance to win the Olympic Games gold. We will do everything we can, he says ahead of the final against China.

» Updated:

» Published:

Olympic Hero: "Thinking of my poor parents"
Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/TT

Share this article

Anton Källberg snatched – naturally – the headlines after Thursday evening's semifinal drama against Japan. Around the news media and on social media, he is now called Bragd-Anton. That's what happens when you make the match of your life when it matters most.

Källberg's turnaround – from 0–2 to 3–2 in sets – in the fifth and decisive match will stand as a Swedish sports classic.

Kristian Karlsson was so taken that he lost bodily control when Källberg shouted out his joy. He stumbled when he was about to enter the arena to join in the celebration and ended up flat on the floor.

My legs gave way. I don't know what I was doing, he says.

Ten seconds after we won, I think I realized that we had won. We knew we could win, but it took a little time to sink in.

Lacking Words

An hour earlier, he knew exactly what he was doing – and what was required. Japan had 2–0 in matches. Karlsson had to beat Shunsuke Togami, otherwise, a bronze match awaited.

He lost the first set, took the next three, and the comeback was underway.

Beating Togami, who is highly ranked and a skilled player... doing it at 0–2 and paving the way for the guys feels very, very good, he says, as if he had played any ordinary league match with Düsseldorf.

I usually talk a lot, but now I'm lacking words. It feels completely empty.

With a World Championship gold in doubles together with Mattias Falck and double European Championship gold in team events, Kristian Karlsson is used to the demands of a championship.

Tough Season

At the same time, he is surprised.

It's been a tough season individually for me. In doubles and mixed, it's gone very well, but catastrophically bad in singles. To then play so well in singles against Denmark and Japan feels unrealistically nice.

Do you realize what incredible entertainment you provided for all TV viewers at home?

I think about my poor parents who sat at home and watched. I don't know how badly they suffered.

How do you prepare for the final?

With rehabilitation, taking it easy, getting enough fluids and food, and then we can watch the semifinal (China beat France) with a smile. It's fantastic to be able to watch an Olympic semifinal and know that the winner will meet us, says Kristian Karlsson.

The final against China will be played at 15.00 on Friday.

Tags

Author

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

More news

Ragnar Carlsson Falls Short in World Championship Hammer Throw Qualifiers

Ragnar Carlsson Falls Short in World Championship Hammer Throw Qualifiers

Suldan Hassan Targets Olympic Gold at Los Angeles 2028

Suldan Hassan Targets Olympic Gold at Los Angeles 2028

Germany Wins European Basketball Championship After 32-Year Wait

Germany Wins European Basketball Championship After 32-Year Wait

Roony Bardghji Debuts for Barcelona in 6-0 Win Over Valencia

Roony Bardghji Debuts for Barcelona in 6-0 Win Over Valencia

Haaland Shines as Man City Dominates Manchester Derby 3-0

Haaland Shines as Man City Dominates Manchester Derby 3-0

Tour of Spain Final Stage Canceled Amid Protests in Madrid

Tour of Spain Final Stage Canceled Amid Protests in Madrid

Oliver Solberg Wins First WRC2 World Championship Title

Oliver Solberg Wins First WRC2 World Championship Title

Elfsborg Stages Comeback to Draw 2-2 with Malmö in Allsvenskan Match

Elfsborg Stages Comeback to Draw 2-2 with Malmö in Allsvenskan Match

Finland Narrowly Misses Bronze in European Basketball Championship

Finland Narrowly Misses Bronze in European Basketball Championship

Alex Norén Wins PGA Championship at Wentworth After Playoff Victory

Alex Norén Wins PGA Championship at Wentworth After Playoff Victory

Jamaica Wins First Men's 100m World Championship Gold Since Bolt

Jamaica Wins First Men's 100m World Championship Gold Since Bolt

Kajsa Bergqvist Emotional Over Almgren's World Championship Bronze

Kajsa Bergqvist Emotional Over Almgren's World Championship Bronze

Stockholm Derby Ends in Dramatic 3-3 Draw as Djurgården Scores Late

Stockholm Derby Ends in Dramatic 3-3 Draw as Djurgården Scores Late

Rolfö Shines with Assist in Super League Debut for Manchester United

Rolfö Shines with Assist in Super League Debut for Manchester United

Andreas Almgren Wins Historic Bronze in 10,000m at World Championships

Andreas Almgren Wins Historic Bronze in 10,000m at World Championships

Rosengård Suffers Fourth Straight Loss in 2-1 Defeat to AIK

Rosengård Suffers Fourth Straight Loss in 2-1 Defeat to AIK

Maja Åskag Places Ninth in World Championship Long Jump Final

Maja Åskag Places Ninth in World Championship Long Jump Final

Alexander Isak Misses Liverpool Debut in Win Over Burnley

Alexander Isak Misses Liverpool Debut in Win Over Burnley

Ricky Hatton, Two-Time World Champion Boxer, Dies at 46

Ricky Hatton, Two-Time World Champion Boxer, Dies at 46

Vanessa Kamga Sets Double Swedish Records and Stays in Japan

Vanessa Kamga Sets Double Swedish Records and Stays in Japan