A New Perspective for Swedish Star in Ambassadorial Role

11 octobre 2007. He watched intently at the recent Volkswagen Women’s World Cup in Chengdu and at the World Team Cup in Magdeburg; no doubt his eyes will be focused intently on proceedings at the Liebherr Men’s World Cup which starts in Barcelona on Friday 12th October 2007.

On the international scene, watching as opposed to playing is now the role for Peter Karlsson, an integral member of the Swedish national team for almost two decades.

The new position for the amiable Swede is as a representative for Stag, the court mat supplier for all three World title events and a company that has been a stalwart support of the ITTF Development Programme.

Peter Karlsson is the Stag “Brand Ambassador”.

Apt Title
Undoubtedly, the title “Ambassador” is very apt for Peter Karlsson.

Always, he has been a fine ambassador for the sport of table tennis, a sportsman in the true sense of the word and now retired from international play his ambassadorial role takes a new path.

Still Playing
However, he is not lost to the playing courts of the sport.

He still continues to play for the French club, Levallois, alongside Michael Maze and Damien Eloi; he believes he can combine the two roles successfully.

Energy
“Previously, I put all my energies into playing table tennis”, said Peter Karlsson. “I want to continue playing and Levallois is a very good club; now it’s a different situation but combining the two roles is working well.”

Pernsive
In both Chengdu and Magdeburg he watched proceedings at times in what appeared to be a somewhat pensive mood.

Is it in the back of his mind that Jörgen Persson, who is some three years older, returned to international duty in 2007 for Sweden at an age when he could play in veteran events?

Content
Never say never but Peter Karlsson is very content with his new direction in table tennis.

“One advantage of being at an international event now is that I have the chance to meet people, before there was no time”, he explained. “As a professional player you are totally focused on the matches, you practise for hours, you prepare for your match, you play, you leave to arena and you go back to the hotel to rest.”

Credibility
Furthermore, the fact that he still plays has an advantage, it heightens his credibility. “I think it’s good that I still play”, added Peter Karlsson. “It means my comments and evaluations carry more weight than if I was not playing at all and I really do hope that I can help.”

Company
It is for Peter Karlsson a new venture but as always he revels in a challenge.

“India is flexible, Stag is healthy company with good products”, he said, the company having been formed in 1926 by the ancestors of Vivek Kohli. It is very much a well established family business dealing in a range of sports.

Sure
“I hope that my knowledge and experience will be to the benefit of everyone”, concluded Peter Karlsson. “In June I was not one hundred per cent sure of what I would be doing; now I’m one hundred per cent sure and I know I’ve made the right decision.”

A very positive response, the approach is the same as when he plays; it is a new role but one factor is the same. Peter Karlsson continues to be a fine ambassador for table tennis.


Source: ittf.com - Photo by Dr Stephan Roscher