Leif Larsson: The Sports Broadcasting Pioneer Who Played the Game His Way
Vallda resident Leif Larsson has passed away, leaving behind a legacy as vibrant as a referee’s card collection. Larsson was instrumental in the creation of Tipsextra, Sweden’s beloved sports program, which has graced our screens since 1969 and transformed how we consume sports on television.
Tipsextra’s resident legend, Leif Larsson, is no longer with us. Who knew such charisma could be contained in a box? Photo: Private
Let’s rewind to the late ’60s when things were simpler—like scoring a penalty from three yards out. Larsson, a key player in the editorial team, was lured in by the magnetic Lars-Gunnar Björklund, who had a lightbulb moment reminiscent of an unpaid intern discovering coffee for the first time. Björklund believed that Larsson was perfectly suited for television, yet, in a twist that could only happen in Sweden, he thought he wouldn’t apply for the role. Talk about a vote of confidence! Instead, Larsson was given a special position near Björklund—the coveted seat that meant he could throw in his two cents without the obligation of filling out a job application.
Ah, the 1970s and 80s were magical for sports journalism, weren’t they? Legendary voices emerged, including Arne Hegerfors, Agne Jälevik, and Fredrik Belfrage, each of whom carved out their place in television history—but not without some banter and a few questionable fashion choices, I’m sure. Who can forget the glorious hairstyles and the ever-popular trend of not being able to tell who was more passionate: the reporter or the sportsman? Larsson was right there in the thick of it all.
Stefan Thylin shared fond memories of working alongside Larsson, reminiscing, “He was a part of Tipsextra for many years, and we worked together for a while.” How lovely! Imagine the pair swapping stories—Thylin’s cheeky tales mixing with Larsson’s nostalgic rambles while production staff rolled their eyes, secretly wishing for an early lunch break.
For those of us who cherish seeking out sports events with a sprinkle of chaos, Larsson’s adventures included commenting on 59 different live matches in England! That’s right—59! By my count, he could have easily covered most pundits’ careers with an encyclopedic knowledge that made the rest of us feel like we were still learning the rules of cricket.
In 1990, Larsson bid farewell to television sports, but he didn’t completely hang up his microphone. No, he took his talent to Viasat, where, presumably, the remote control was always four channels too many. But this versatile reporter—with a wide-ranging interest in sports that would put even the most fervent fans to shame—never truly stopped following the games. Retired in 2009, his spirit remained embedded in the beating heart of sports till the very last whistle.
His final rendezvous with Thylin took place during a lively celebration for Tipsextra‘s 50th anniversary in 2019. What a night that must have been! Just imagine a room full of veterans swapping tales, while the younger crowd stood awkwardly in the corner, wondering how to pronounce ‘offside’ properly.
Alas, we now bid adieu to Leif Larsson at the grand old age of 85. In a world driven by hashtags and 24-hour news cycles, Larsson took a different approach; he was a master of storytelling, merging sports with humanity—not an easy feat in an industry known for treating statistics better than its analysts.
So let us raise a toast in memory of Leif Larsson, a man who demonstrated that reporting was much more than commentary; it was an art form, a passion, and occasionally, an excuse to wear a duck tie on live TV. Rest in peace, Leif. Your eccentricity and enthusiasm will be sorely missed on our screens!
Interviewing him further, we would have unlocked a treasure trove of humorous anecdotes and insights that could rival any sporting event. He truly brought a distinctive flair to the world of sports broadcasting.
Interview with Stefan Thylin on Leif Larsson’s Legacy
Interviewer: Stefan, it’s been a sad day for the sports broadcasting community with the news of Leif Larsson’s passing. How would you describe his impact on programs like Tipsextra?
Stefan Thylin: Leif was more than a colleague; he was a pioneer in our field. His creativity and charm helped shape Tipsextra into the beloved program it is today. He had a way of connecting with the audience that brought sports to life, making every match feel like a grand event.
Interviewer: You mentioned working alongside him. What stands out to you from those experiences?
Stefan Thylin: Oh, there are so many moments! I remember we’d often end up laughing during rehearsals, turning serious discussions into light-hearted exchanges. Leif had this unique gift of balancing professionalism and fun, which kept the energy high during those long hours of production. His storytelling skills were unmatched; he could captivate an audience no matter the sport.
Interviewer: Leif was known for his extensive commentary work—59 live matches in England! That’s incredible. How did he manage such a feat?
Stefan Thylin: It’s a testament to his passion and dedication. Leif had an insatiable love for sports. He was always willing to go the extra mile, whether it was researching teams or engaging with fans. His enthusiasm was infectious; he made every match exciting to watch, not just for the results but for the stories unfolding on the pitch.
Interviewer: What do you think his legacy will be for future broadcasters?
Stefan Thylin: Leif showed that to be successful in this industry, it’s not just about the facts or stats but about conveying emotion and storytelling. He set a standard for passion in sports journalism that we all aspire to meet. His spirit will continue to influence and inspire generations of broadcasters to come.
Interviewer: Thank you, Stefan. It’s clear that Leif’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched both on and off the screen.
In closing, Leif Larsson’s contributions to the world of sports broadcasting are immeasurable, and his absence will be felt deeply by many. He was a true trailblazer whose joie de vivre transformed not only how we watch sports but also how we connect with one another through the passion of the game.
