Sweden's Beach Volleyball Champions Shine at Major Malmö Event
Olympic champions Åhman and Hellvig headline Sweden's first Beach Pro Tour event in Malmö, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity.
Key Points
- • Beach Pro Tour event in Malmö features Olympic champions Åhman and Hellvig.
- • The tournament is sold out, indicating rising popularity of beach volleyball in Sweden.
- • Åhman and Hellvig express excitement playing on home soil and engaging with fans.
- • Their coach predicts an even matchup if the duo faces other Swedish team in the finals.
As Sweden hosts its first Beach Pro Tour event in Malmö, Olympic gold medalists David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig are set to make a significant impact. The tournament, taking place from June 13-15 at Ribersborg beach, has sold out, highlighting the surge in popularity of beach volleyball within the country.
The event features 16 teams, with Åhman and Hellvig leading as the highest-seeded participants, currently ranked third in the world. Their return to competition in Malmö after three years is marked by a noted increase in fan engagement and media attention following their Olympic success in Paris in 2024. "It was extremely big right after it happened and hard to understand how many had watched it," reflected Hellvig, underlining the shift in their public profile post-victory.
The training efforts of the Swedish national team, led by coaches Anders Kristiansson and Rasmus Jonsson, play a crucial role in elevating the game. Kristiansson expressed optimism for a potential all-Swedish final, stating, "It would be completely open; it depends on the performance of the day." The camaraderie among players is evident, as Åhman and Hellvig train alongside fellow competitors Elmer Andersson and Jacob Hölting Nilsson.
During a press conference, Åhman and Hellvig interacted with fans, further emphasizing their growing connection with the audience. Åhman noted how advantageous it feels to compete on home ground, fully supported by their local fans.
With the beautiful summer weather promising a vibrant atmosphere for the matches, expectations are high for the home favorites, Åhman and Hellvig, as they aim to deliver stellar performances throughout the tournament.