Eugene. Bronze medal for Sweden’s lone elite man Perseus Karlström.
Now he hopes success will save the sport.
– I believe and hope so, he says.
At the turn of the year, walking officially became part of the athletics federation in the same way as it is in most countries around the world. But until then, it was actually (at the time of writing) 2-0 to the Walking Association and the Walking Association against the Athletics Association at this World Championships.
though Perseus Karlstrom It is in fact the only elite pedestrian investment in Sweden. Since brother Ato Ibanez stopped investing and Anders Hansson tragically died of cancer, the Swedish elite started and ended with a three-time WC medalist. He recently turned 32, and while he doesn’t see an end to his career at the moment, there is a rush to fill the ranks if the sport isn’t completely extinct.
Perseus believes that success can still save the sport.
– I have already noticed after Doha that there is a huge shift in the positivity of the Swedish population. I hope there will be a more positive trend after this tournament.
“I became very pleased”
Is there a new generation after Perseus Karlstrom?
– Now, Gånd-Sweden is just me. But its investment has now begun with the merger with athletics. A good regrowth plan has been put in place and I think and hope something will happen.
MAMA and FA captain Seif Karlstrom hailed the merger with the Athletics Federation as so crucial to the future of the sport. I’m already starting to notice the difference.
– I notice that more and more people are becoming interested. With the merger with the Athletics Federation, the course will include some small competitions as well. In series matches, for example, you’ll lose points if you don’t have walkers, so it’s important to rock someone in clubs, she says and continues:
– I have been working since last fall by being abroad and giving instructions in associations. I was at a club just before midsummer where they were so happy that they said they were going for a competition this fall where walking will be part of the program so I think it could be good.
Perseus’ medals may have saved walking?
– yes.
