First prize Swedish Picture Of The Year Award 2011 Category Sports Stories

89-year-old Svante Thorsell is one of Sweden’s best table tennis veterans. Here in the sports hall in Halmstad, Sweden he trains for the Veteran World Championships next year. Although young people in Halmstad BTK are used to seeing Svante in the hall, it’s still a bit special to see an 89-year-old player. And Svante is so grateful to all of the club members who train with him. “Without them I could not hold on.” Svante’s wife, Lisa, is his most faithful supporter. She has been his manager, trainer, and travel guide over the years. Svante and Lisa first met in the community called Love outside Halmstad over 65 years ago.