Stefan Olsson has won two medals at the Paralymics – both in doubles, first silver in 2008 and then gold in 2012. The star also has two grand slam titles in doubles, as he previously won the US open in 2009 and Wimbledon the following year. At this year’s edition of the Paralympics, the 34-year-old may carry the Swedish flag. He does this together with Helene Ripa, the gold winner in the 15-kilometer distance in cross-country skiing from 2014.
– It was very emotional when I found out. I floated away a bit in another world it felt like. I am extremely happy and grateful. There are almost even fewer people who get the chance to be a flag bearer than to take a gold, says Olsson to SVT Sport.
– I will be nervous, I already know that. But it will be fantastic and I really look forward to standing there with the Swedish flag. It is “priceless” if you say so.
A versatile athlete
Ripa, who turned 50 yesterday, has represented Sweden in cross-country skiing and canoeing. In the latter sport, she has two European Championship golds and one World Cup gold. The versatile athlete has also competed in elite-level swimming.
– This is a great honor. It is one of the things you look forward to most as a Paralympic, to have the honor of ever carrying the flag and to be able to do it together with Stefan is extra fun, says Ripa in a press release.
Experienced Ripa did her first Paralympics in 1992, when she landed a fifth place in swimming. This year she will participate as a canoeist.
“Very good friend”
Olsson about being allowed to carry the flag together with Ripa:
– It will be fantastic fun to be up there with Helene who has also been around for a very long time. She is also a very good friend of mine so I think we are both really looking forward to this. Double joy is the real joy, he says to SVT Sport.
At the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, swimming star Maja Reichard was Sweden’s flag bearer.
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