Updated 2024-08-10 23.15 | Published 2024-08-08 23.22
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PARIS. When the Olympic semi-finals were over, Liv Nilsander knew exactly what she had to do.
She rushed straight up to boyfriend David Åhman.
– It felt like you were in a dream, she says.
David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig wrote Swedish sports history when they beat the Qatari duo Cherif/Ahmed and advanced to the Olympic final in beach volleyball.
– Completely unimaginable. This was never expected. It’s their first Olympics, they’re so young and it’s so mental. I can’t believe it’s true, says Liv Nilsander.
Difficulty eating and drinking
Nilsander is together with David Åhman and was in the stands in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. During the time in Paris, Åhman/Hellvig have had strict rules with full focus on the tournament.
– It has been difficult not being able to be there for him. It is very strict with the Olympic village and the times. There will be a few phone calls and meet briefly. It’s really annoying, of course. You feel almost as bad yourself as they do when you sit here in the stands, she says.
She continues:
– Before the match, I haven’t been able to eat or drink. But at the end of the second I was able to let go a little. I have his little mascot here and I hugged it tight at the end.
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full screen David Åhman with girlfriend Liv Nilsander. Photo: Pontus Orre
“Working and tough”
Have you noticed that he has been nervous?
– I absolutely have. Both he and “Jonis” are pretty cool otherwise and they keep it to themselves. But now people have heard that it has seemed difficult and tough.
In the final awaits Germany, who knocked out Norway earlier in the evening.
– They have beaten the Germans before so they have a very good history against them. They are in top form and beating Mol/Sörum is a huge achievement, a bit of a shock. But I absolutely believe they can beat them.
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full screen Photo: Pontus Orre
The medal league
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No medals awarded for selected sport.