Truls Möregårdh is celebrated at home

The city has been called “the dullest Sweden” on live television. The epithet caught on. But Eslöv has returned. Truls Möregårdh’s first Olympic journey has brought two silver medals to Sweden – and the small town in Scania.

On Tuesday night, the town invited a party. The ping-pong fever at Stora Torg knew no end. The red carpet was rolled out. Everywhere there will be children and adults with colorful sweaters and the text “Eslöv likes Truls”. The ping pong king was home.

– It’s great fun to come home and see so many people, says Truls Möregårdh.

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In Paris, the 22-year-old has shaken the world of table tennis. Money in singles after knocking off the world number one from China. Then money also with the Swedish team. After the successes, Truls Möregårdh was asked in several interviews what he wants most. The answer was always the same: “Hug from everyone who supported me at home in Eslöv”. And it was an emotional homecoming.

– All my friends and family are here. This is where I became who I am, both ping-pong-wise and personality-wise, he tells DN.

You have become very popular in China, how do you see it?

– Yes, the biggest thing they have in China is the Olympics. It shows up on social media, and it’s fun that they love someone to come and challenge them.

You offered a special artistic stroke in the Olympics, how much do you use these strokes?

– Not much. But I guess I’ve been a bit famous for feeling when I came out young, and it came out really well there. It was a special situation in which I did it, but it was fun to be able to offer a few laughs.

At the age of twelve, Truls Möregårdh and his family moved to Eslöv from Hovmantorp precisely to be able to focus on table tennis. Unbelievable, thinks Eslövs resident and woodworking teacher Mats Fridh. He is one of those who donned his Truls shirt tonight.

– This is really big. I have seen all the games, the sofa is completely “tired”, laughs Mats Fridh.

Above all, Truls Möregårdh’s calm has impressed.

– He seems to be compatible as a person. He has that calm all the time, says Mats Fridh.

What do you think this means for Eslöv?

– We are referred to as a sports town instead of the most boring town in Sweden. It’s big for Eslöv.

Have you experienced the Swedish ping-pong fever yourself?

– Yes, it’s completely crazy. Every child’s hobby has a table tennis rack. They are sold in all shops.