Been asked to be in the “Master of Masters” – many times
Published 2024-02-04 20.18
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GIRONA. The world champion’s economy has “never been good” – and participation in SVT’s long-distance running makes it even worse.
Nevertheless, Tony Rickardsson only had one decisive requirement to appear in the “Master of Champions”.
– I wanted there to be a lot of chocolate in the fridge, he says.
The speedway world champion, Tony Rickardsson53, has been asked to be in the “Master of Masters” “very many times”.
– I can’t even remember the first time I was asked the question. Now it really feels like 15 years too late, but I’ve always wanted to do it but didn’t prioritize time, he says.
What made you prioritize time this season?
– The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve felt that I should be involved. So now I felt it was time and it fit with the times. I answered yes very early. This feels great fun.
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fullscreenTony Rickardsson. Photo: Andreas BardellFACTS
Tony Rickardsson
Six-time individual world champion (1994, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2005) who drove for five different Swedish speedway clubs. In parallel, he also competed for clubs in both the Polish and British speedway leagues.
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The requirement: “Chocolate in the fridge”
The list of demands Tony had to put forward was not long.
– I wanted there to be a lot of chocolate in the fridge. I love chocolate, he says and laughs.
– But I don’t think I’ve eaten any chocolate at all, yet. I was offered a snickers, because they know I like chocolate. But I’ve been so tired, everything has been like a shock to my body, I’m not used to going out so much.
On top of that, he wanted an individual room, as he is an individual athlete and has always lived by himself.
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full screen Tony Rickardsson in “Master of Masters” Photo: Andreas Bardell
Plus on life
The economy
– It’s always tight.
When was the economy at its best?
– No, it has never been good! Not good enough.
Will it get better now with participation in “Master of Masters”?
– No, then it will be minus. No, it’s okay!, says Tony and laughs.
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full screen Christina and Tony Rickardsson on “Let’s dance” 2008. Photo: Eivind Vogel-Rödin
The love life
– I’m happily married to Christina and have four wonderful children, so it’s a clear fifth.
How and where did you and Christina meet?
– We met in 2008 during “Let’s dance”.
The health
– I still want to work a little with my body so that it feels good.
What should you do to feel really good?
– It’s to move me a little. Try to exercise at least a couple of times a week. I do a bit of yoga in the mornings so you’re not too stiff the rest of the day.
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fullscreenTony Rickardsson. Photo: Emilia Olofsson
The career
– Achieved much more than I could really wish for. And it has given me a very good life. Good ground to stand on. Learned a lot from my speedway career.
Is there anything left that you want to achieve in your career?
– Yes, but motorsport and speedbiking have the same problem as many others – getting younger people to get involved and practice the sport. There I am involved in a project now that I am very passionate about to get younger people to try speed bikes.
The future plans
– I’m a constant optimist, so it’s a high five for the future
What kind of fun do you have coming up?
– A little about what I mentioned, this project with younger drivers. I don’t try to look too far ahead. I know it will be a 3-5 year period. and then just see what happens to the children and the rest of the family by supporting and helping them..
