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Tommy Engstrand was primarily known as a commentator and journalist on SVT and Radiosporten. Among other things, he was awarded the Grand Journalist Prize in 1984.
In the 60s and 70s he was part of the so-called “Hyland boys” together with Lars-Gunnar Björklund, Fredrik Belfrage and Ingvar Oldsberg. The quartet was formed in Lennart Hyland’s school.
Now friends and colleagues remember Engstrand.
– It was among the worst blows I have received in life. He was the best in the profession I was in. Superior, humor, dedication, distance, no complacency. An ordinary guy who was so damn good, Oldsberg says to Expressen.
They worked together at Radiosporten.
– He was one of my heroes. He was my boss at Radiosporten. I always called him “Nacka” – and he called me “Bebben”, says Oldsberg.
The good friend and host Åke Wilhelmsson had had contact with Engstrand recently.
– I thought it was shocking, I talked to him a couple of weeks ago. Then he said he would call me when he got better. He judged it to take a few weeks, then he would be fine again. It never happened then, he says to Aftonbladet.
The pianist, revue artist and actress Monica Dominique worked together with Engstrand in the entertainment program “Zick Zack” in the 80’s.
– He really was a very nice guy. Happy and knowledgeable and a person who was very easy to get in touch with others. It always feels very hard when people in your circle of acquaintances suddenly disappear, she tells Expressen.
Commentator Arne Hegerfors says that Engstrand was an important support during his difficult period with stroke, heart attack and brain tumor.
– He was the one who cared the most. He was a very warm and caring man who really cared about his comrades. It feels tough that he passed away, says Hegerfors to TT.
Frida Nordstrand highlights him as a leading figure in her career as a sports journalist.
“He saw everyone. He helped, lifted and praised others. Never cared about his own or afraid of competition, but just in love with his profession and happy that more people shared that love. I know he knows I appreciated it, but I wish that I had said how much his commitment meant “, she writes on Instagram.
Lasse Granqvist and Åke Unger also see Engstrand as an important role model.
– He said to me, early in my career: “You have to let the pump be with”, the heart. “The heart must be present when you comment.” Thanks to Engstrand, the minutes became more authentic. It was one of his main qualities, it became real, Granqvist says to Aftonbladet.
Unger commented on the European Championship final at Wembley between England and Italy just over a week ago – and says that Engstrand was in the thoughts then.
– Without him, I would never have sat there and then. He has meant so much to my career. Tommy is the greatest we have had, he had such warmth and was so generous in his professional role. He has helped me so much over the years, he tells Expressen.
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