Mark Levengood interrupted the first ovations for Börje Salming.
After the Times hockey gala, he explains the decision.
– I have the responsibility to lead the program and I have to put all the wills together, says Levengood.
Mark Levengood led the Times hockey gala and was delighted when he spoke to Sportbladet afterward.
– Overall, I am very satisfied. I think that was such a beautiful talk. I think the thing about sports fans is that they’re such crappy numbers, but now I think they’ve been great, says Levengood.
He was touched by all the tributes as an ALS sufferer Borje Salming received during the gala evening.
– I move so incredibly easily and felt tears welling up. I’m strict and I’ve heard it’s not a presenter’s place to cry. It’s up to the viewers if they want to cry, I felt like I wasn’t going to stand there and cry.
Explain the break
Börje Salming was celebrated several times during the Times hockey gala.
When Levengood opened the gala, Salming received a standing ovation and applause, which was then cut short by the host. The decision to abruptly continue the show sparked some anger among viewers who took to social media and in comments during the live broadcast of the Sportbladet gala.
Mark Levengood explains the decision to move on and cancel the standing ovation.
– We have flat screen TV’s. That is to say, we have a two hour gap in which we need to enter our schedule. It’s not that I wanted to snub Börje for some applause, because I love Börje. But I knew it would come later, says Levengood.
“It’s my job”
Levengood continues:
– I understand the objection, but it’s not my choice either, but I have people in my ear who say that “we need to move on.” At the start of a gala, a lot is about pace and forward direction. So it’s a compromise and I’m sorry if people felt that way, but I hope they enjoyed Börje’s seven minutes of applause later in the programme.
How does it feel to be the one who had to break in there?
– This is my job. You make me sound like some kind of Marseille butcher, but I’m not either. I am responsible for driving the program and have to bring together all the wills. But I have talked to Pia, Börje’s wife, and the family is happy and Börje feels very honored. There is no shortage of applause.
Tragedy in the family
During the gala, Börje Salming received several awards. He was elected to the Swedish all-star team and then received the NHL’s honorary award on stage. The standing ovation he received during the Canada Cup in 1976 has also been designated as the “moment of the ages” in Swedish hockey.
Mark Levengood suffers with Börje Salming. She has seen ALS up close because her husband Jonas Gardell’s father died of the disease in the 1980s.
– I know ALS is a terrible disease. I think it’s so brave of Börje to be here. I’m also so happy that Börje signaled from the beginning that he really wanted to be here and that it could be arranged.
Like the gala here:
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Near and dear ones sometimes call me emotional because I don’t show much expression (joy, sadness, anger, etc).
But today tears came to me when I saw my idol and our Swedish legend Mr. Hockey at the hockey gala. Tragic but at the same time so incredibly beautiful.
BS 4 never
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I’ve met Börje several times, he gives the impression of a typical kind man from the north. Horrible disease, I sent money to his ALS fund, so are you. As it stands, perhaps a cure can be found. The world is good and unfair, the best people should suffer like this. Happy birthday to Börje.
Elf
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You are just the best Borje!
Legendernas LEGEND!
Jari Haapaoja
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Hey Börje, you are the best. A few months ago you were at my son’s school in Sollentuna and you parked behind my car, my son and I wanted to come and talk to you, but we didn’t want to disturb you. Anyway we think of you. 💐
Daniel
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You are amazing Börje ♥️ I loved watching you play with your brother Stig in BIF when you were a little girl. I’ve been following you ever since
You are the best and what a beautiful family. Take care of each other now ♥️
A fan
