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.
