Grete Ahlberg praises her Finnish racing sisters. The Swedish athlete has been through hell in his career.
Swedish Grete Ahlberg doesn’t hide his opinion about Finnish moukari women.
Ahlberg meets Silja Kosonen, Krista Tervon and Suvi Kosonen at the weekend in the match against Sweden. Ahlberg and Kosose in particular have become friends through the joint competitions.
– We have a similar sense of humor. Silja first came to say that she loves my Instagram and my sense of humor. I went to check out his Instagram. I agreed! Ahlberg says with a smile.
– At first we started to say hello. Now we send each other memes.
Grete Ahlberg suffered from serious mental health problems, but returned to the Games. Jussi Saarinen
The Swedish thrower tries to come up with funny surprises for Kosose during the competition.
– We have competed together all summer, and we do things together. It’s nice to be able to say see you next week.
However, the mood changes when the competition starts.
– About an hour before the competition, it’s just quiet. Everyone concentrates, but we also encourage each other.
Depression fell
Silja Kosonen is a good match with many of her competitors. He congratulated Camryn Rodgers, who won the World Championship gold in Budapest. Pasi Liesimaa
From the bubbly Swedish athlete, you wouldn’t guess what kind of struggle he has been through. The World Cup finalist suffered from depression and anxiety three years ago, which were to end his entire career.
At that time, Ahlberg took a break from throwing.
– I wrote a message to my coach that I will never forget. It read: “I’m taking a break now. I disappear from athletics. Don’t contact me if you don’t have to.”
Ahlberg, who turned 20 at the time, was feeling really bad.
– I couldn’t do anything. Not to practice, not to go to school. I don’t even get up and eat. I thought I could never be an international athlete or do well in school. I’m thinking about quitting.
Ahlberg sought therapy to deal with his negative feelings. That and the break helped.
Last year, the Swede made it to the World Championships for adults. He threw his record 70.87 in the Eugene qualifier and was ninth in the final.
Ahlberg decided to talk about his depression publicly for the first time.
– I thought I would get angry, but the reaction was the opposite. I got so much love.
Feeling hopeless
Grete Ahlberg roared with joy in Eugene. EPA/AOP
Ahlberg says he still struggles with depression. A pitcher’s emotions can vary dramatically.
The difference from the old days is that nowadays Swedish athletes know how to handle their emotions.
– You have to think that even negative emotions can be felt. It’s ok because I understand why I feel that way. I used to run away from negative thoughts and was unable to enjoy the moment. Now things are different. I’m good.
The Swede doesn’t beat himself up too much, even though the season hasn’t gone as expected. Ahlberg’s best result of the season is 69.67.
– I believe that I have trained too hard. I am disappointed with my results. However, in the long term, hard physical training can enable results of much more than 70 meters.
Ahlberg will compete in the Sweden match against the Finnish trio this weekend. Last year he took the win.
– This is the first year that I feel almost hopeless. I have competed with Suvi and Silja all summer. I appreciate them immensely. I’ll do my best, but they’re the best pitchers in the world.
Kosonen was fifth at the World Championships in Budapest. He threw his record 74.19 in the qualification.