Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Ready for Medal Matches in the Olympic Games: "This is What We've Dreamed Of"

There was a lot of sand in the machinery for a while. But Sweden's beach volleyball guys have finally gotten into the right gear. Jonatan Hellvig and David Åhman are through to the Olympic Games semifinal and will compete for medals in Paris. It's what we've been dreaming of for as long as we can remember, says Åhman.

» Updated: 10 September 2024, 06:06

» Published: 06 August 2024

Ready for Medal Matches in the Olympic Games: "This is What We've Dreamed Of"
Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

2–0 in set (21–17, 21–16) against Brazil's Arthur Lanci and Evandro Oliveira was a new display of strength from Åhman and Hellvig, after a slightly unexpected shaky start to the Olympic Games tournament.

The Swedish world champions, who lost two matches in the group stage, are now just one win away from an Olympic medal – which would be the first blue and yellow one in beach volleyball.

It's super nice to have made it to the semifinal, we've dreamed about it for as long as we can remember, says Åhman.

Had the grip from the start

Just like in the round of 16, Åhman/Hellvig faced a team that had won all their matches without losing a single set, but it's as if the Swedish Olympic debutants have now left their nerves behind and taken on the role of the world champions they are.

The first set was indeed even, but from the start, it was Sweden that had the upper hand. An early 4–0 lead gave them an advantage that Åhman/Hellvig never relinquished. On the third of five set balls, Oliveira served out to a Swedish set win 21–17.

The second set was reminiscent of the first. The Brazilians were always the chasing team, and in the end, it was time for Swedish match balls, four in total. The Swedes took advantage of the first, Åhman dunked a smash into the sand and secured a spot in the Olympic semifinal.

"A big goal for many years"

It hasn't really sunk in yet that we're so close to a medal, we've dreamed about it for as long as we've been playing together. It's been a big goal for many years, says Hellvig.

In the semifinal, they will face either the Americans Miles Partain and Andy Benesh or Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, the Qataris who defeated Åhman/Hellvig in the group stage.

We're super happy that we've made it to the semi, and we'll do everything to play well and try to win the two remaining matches we have now. It feels incredibly fun, says Hellvig.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Copied Gyökeres – now wants revenge
2 MIN READ

Copied Gyökeres – now wants revenge

After the Sweden Visit – Mbappé Dropped from the National Team
1 MIN READ

After the Sweden Visit – Mbappé Dropped from the National Team

Dream Draw for Sweden: "Teams We Can Win Against"
3 MIN READ

Dream Draw for Sweden: "Teams We Can Win Against"

Norwegian Olympic canoeist becomes World Championship swimmer
1 MIN READ

Norwegian Olympic canoeist becomes World Championship swimmer

Furious over Palestine banner at PSG match
1 MIN READ

Furious over Palestine banner at PSG match

The new venture a challenge: "I said no"
3 MIN READ

The new venture a challenge: "I said no"

Bayern Munich fan silent in the stands
1 MIN READ

Bayern Munich fan silent in the stands

Sprint star moves to Italy
1 MIN READ

Sprint star moves to Italy

Northug: Dreams of the podium in Vasaloppet
2 MIN READ

Northug: Dreams of the podium in Vasaloppet

Star Durant sank Larsson's Miami
1 MIN READ

Star Durant sank Larsson's Miami

From unknown to national team: "Cool thing"
3 MIN READ

From unknown to national team: "Cool thing"

NHL star McDavid back after injury
2 MIN READ

NHL star McDavid back after injury

After the Ridicule – Viral "Raygun" Gives Up
2 MIN READ

After the Ridicule – Viral "Raygun" Gives Up

CL success for the Swede: zero intact
2 MIN READ

CL success for the Swede: zero intact

Dark Night Start for Apelgren: "Damn, That's Awful"
2 MIN READ

Dark Night Start for Apelgren: "Damn, That's Awful"

Mings' brain fade - Club Brugge won on penalties
1 MIN READ

Mings' brain fade - Club Brugge won on penalties

No Breakthrough – Women's Crown Fell to Czech Republic
2 MIN READ

No Breakthrough – Women's Crown Fell to Czech Republic

Malmö fell in Istanbul – third defeat in Europe
2 MIN READ

Malmö fell in Istanbul – third defeat in Europe

McIlroy: Trump may be able to unite golf
1 MIN READ

McIlroy: Trump may be able to unite golf

Källberg's Giant Upset – Crushed the World Number One
2 MIN READ

Källberg's Giant Upset – Crushed the World Number One