In the past a lot of Swedish players have done well as Thomas Kihlström and Cathrine Bengtsson who both won a World Championship in mixed doubles. But in the past 20-30 years Sweden has not really been on the big map.
One such player who could bring Sweden back on the big map is Felix Burestedt.
- I hope so, but I think I among others in Sweden have a chance to put Sweden on the "badminton map" more again. I hope to reach my goals and as a result of that help contribute to the badminton culture in Sweden, but I can also see other Swedish players doing that.
Burestedt has won a couple of tournaments and also reached some finals in the past two years, but he still have to medal at the European Games or European Championships. Commenting on if he thinks it is possible before he retires.
- That is something I wish for, I was close to get a medal at last year’s European Games, so I do not see it as unrealistic that I can be able to do that in the future, and Hopefully at a European Championships as well.
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The Olympic Games
As everyone know the Olympics Games was postponed until the summer 2021 due to the Covid-19. After a long hard qualification period trying to secure a spot for the Games, Burestedt still feel he can make it for Tokyo 2021.
- I made the qualification for this year so of course I have belief in myself to go in 2021.
Burestedt turned 25 back in February and is still one of the younger players. Of course, Olympics 2021 is the first big goal for the Swedish men’s player, but is Paris 2024 already something he is looking at?
- First step is 2021, but in the bigger picture I want to go to Paris in 2024 and think that is the time I can be at my best level.