Eugene. Karlström took its third WC bronze.
After the medal at a distance of 35 kilometers, Perseus paid tribute to his mother and national team captain Seif Karlstrom, who saved his career for a long time.
– Seven years ago I didn’t have kroner in my account and had to borrow money so I could carry on, he says.
Perseus Karlstrom Eugene is left with two bronze medals and a proven place as one of the greatest centers in walking now. He was the only one to receive two medals from the men’s side.
But the 32-year-old has had a long way to go to reach the top. For many years he was a hidden figure in the major leagues. The far places on the field were punctuated by broken slate races in the championships. But all the time with his mother and national team captain Seif Karlstrom at his side.
When the bronze medal was completed today, he took the opportunity to truly salute his mother, emphasizing that without her he would never have been able to continue fulfilling the dream of winning World Cup medals.
– The mother was very, very important. She supports me in all situations and she always supports me. It’s a job many years behind, and when I didn’t have crowns in my account seven years ago, I had to borrow money which I then had to pay back with the prize money, he says.
“He really gave me the chance.”
– She really gave me the chance. I still had to live at home so I could go to training camp without having to pay rent.
After the success of the past few years, the debt has been paid off and now leaves WC $40,000 (410,000 kronor) richer after two bronzes.
– Yes, now I’m back on the positive side, but it still means an incredible amount. She has never refused to come to a training session and I always have a room at home waiting for me. It’s a wonderful relationship.
“What do I do?”
A few meters away in the mixed zone stands Sword of Karlstrom, gleefully happy.
– It means a lot to me too. More than you can imagine, almost like Percy, she says and smiles when she hears about the tribute from her son.
– It’s a great feeling, as a captain, as a captain of the national team – but above all as a mother. Then at least I did something right.
She says she does not see this as a sacrifice.
– What do I do? I feel that way about the sport and it has it in my soul. If he doesn’t have the conditions then you should try giving him that and it worked, she says and continues:
– When he comes home from training camp, I take care of him a little and help him train and then he goes again. I don’t think we’ve ever had a bigger struggle. Start!
