Vice Prime Minister Ebba Busch cried when she heard Céline Dion at the OS opening ceremony.
Then she sang for the Swedish media corps. Whereupon she revealed that her childhood idol is Malin Baryard Johnsson.
I'm an old horse girl and rode for almost nine years, mostly show jumping, she says.
The KD leader rounded off her short visit to Paris with a lightning visit to Sweden Arena, where the Swedish Olympic Committee has its base during the Olympic Games.
Busch had the opening ceremony fresh in her mind – and was lyrical about Friday evening. She gave the French organizers high marks.
Extremely wet and absolutely magnificent. I who have seen so many OS opening ceremonies from the TV sofa... to experience it live is honorable and dignified.
It was very nice to see that the athletes were in focus. I think they succeeded very well with that. They were in the center of Paris when the whole world's eyes were directed at the opening ceremony.
"Overwhelmed"
Emotionally, Céline Dion's performance affected her the most.
I was overwhelmed when I heard Celine's voice. It was like hearing God from above because I didn't see her at first. I'm a huge Céline Dion fan, says Busch.
And spontaneously sang the introduction to the hit song The Power of Love.
For Swedish journalists, Busch also made it clear that equestrian sports are among her favorite sports. In the tight schedule, she fitted in a meeting with the Swedish show jumpers.
Great to meet Malin
For me, it was great to meet Malin, who is still going strong, and the other riders on the team. They are once again a medal hope.
It's also exciting with the research that exists on the significance of equestrian sports for equality and the development of female leaders. There is an enormous strength in the sport that is a unifying force.
The riders' team gold in Tokyo 2021 is a strong sports memory for Ebba Busch.
It's like time stands still and getting to see history being written in real-time. It's clear that I cheer a little extra when they step out with their horses, she says.
