This Monday the Swedish sport stars gathered in Avicii Arena to get celebrated for their achievements during 2023. The table tennis stars Mattias Falck and Kristian Karlsson were on site and won the price in the category “The team of the year”.
The “Team of the year” was the first price to be presented and the award was presented by the radio hosts Louise Epstein and Thomas Nordegren. The duo opened the envelope and read the names of the winners, at the same time the following motivation was announced:
“On their way to the world championship gold medal, Mattias Falck and Kristian Karlsson defeated the impossible Chinese, not once but twice. The world championships gold was followed by a gold at the European championships in Munich were both also won bronze medals individually.”
– Wow, what an honour Me and Kristian have played doubles together for over 15 years. We have had an incredible journey and it has been extremely awesome to experience all that we have together. It is still a bit unbelievable that we managed to do what we did last year. To first win a gold at World champs and then again at the Europeans – I’m extremely proud, said Mattias in his acceptance speech after receiving the trophy.
– It is of course impossible to mention everyone that have helped us but all physios, all coaches, all beloved ones – it is an extreme honour for us both to stand here today – and we want to thank you all, said a notably touched Kristian Karlsson.
Other nominated teams in the category; Men’s handball team, team Niclas Edin (curling), Women’s biathlon relay team.
It was Mattias Falck’s second time receiving a prize at the Swedish Sports Gala, the first time was in 2020 when he got the “Achievement of the year” after his silver medal at the World Championships in Budapest.
Photo: Jesper Zerman/Bildbyrån