Perry Olsson may not continue as a fencer in the national team | Cross country skis

No fencer in the Swedish fencing team is more meritorious than Perry Olsson, 68. For several years, Olsson was fencer in the Norwegian national team, where he was, among other things, personal fencer for stars such as Petter Northug, Marit Björgen and Ingvild Flugstad Östberg.

That’s why it was big news when Sweden 2020 managed to recruit Perry Olsson – who was described as the “super fencer” – to the Swedish fencer team.

But now Perry Olsson’s time in the Swedish national team is up.

The stud manager Anders Svanebo has informed Perry Olsson that there will be no continuation.

– I want to make a change, and then I see an opportunity to do so based on the contracts that expire this spring, says Anders Svanebo.

Then Svanebo continues:

– He could certainly have thought of continuing, but now that will not be the case.

“Decided to continue”

Perry Olsson’s contract thus expires this spring, but when Expressen talks to Perry Olsson, he is clear that he had expected to renew his contract.

– I was surprised, because I was determined to continue, says Perry Olsson.

What explanation did you get for the message?

– The only explanation I received from Anders Svanebo is that he wants to make changes. But nothing more than that.

Are you very disappointed now?

– It is their decision if they do not want me to continue. But…well, I would have liked to continue.

In the past, Perry Olsson has, among other things, been personal groomer for Charlotte Kalla. This winter, Olsson has been a dedicated groomer for three of the national team’s skaters: Jonna Sundling, William Poromaa and Jens Burman.

How did they react to the news that you are not allowed to continue?

– What they told me is that they didn’t think this was funny. That they are surprised. They probably all expected me to stay.

Jens Burman regrets that he is now forced to change herders.

– Perry has been a fantastic service person and I think our collaboration has worked very well. So it’s clear that I think it’s sad that he doesn’t get a contract extension. At the same time, I have respect for changes happening and being made, says Burman.

After the announcement, Perry Olsson is now open to switching to another national team.

Opens to change national team

– If I get a request from someone else, I will consider it, says Perry Olsson.

Of the year-round defenders in the Swedish national team, two contracts expire this spring. Partly then Perry Olsson’s, partly also Mats Eklund.

None of them will now have their contracts renewed.

The latter, however, was disconnected from the vale team already last season when he worked full-time as fluoride coordinator at the Swedish Skiing Association. And ahead of next season, Eklund has announced that he wants to concentrate on other tasks in his hometown of Gällivare.

Several abandon the sport after ski high school