ZHANGJIAKOU, China — Suddenly handed a phone, Walter Wallberg listened, smiled and politely thanked the voice on the other end.
It was the prime minister of Sweden calling to congratulate the newest king of moguls.
The 21-year-old Wallberg — coming off three knee surgeries in two years — turned in the biggest run of his career to upset the reigning “King” and take home the gold medal in men’s moguls at the Beijing Olympics.
Even Wallberg couldn’t fully believe it as he looked in shock at his score of 83.23 on the board — and a No. 1 next to it. He edged defending Olympic champion Mikael Kingsbury of Canada on a bitterly cold Saturday night.
Wallberg picked up points for his speed over the smooth and technical skiing style of Kingsbury, whose nickname is the “King of Moguls.”
“I did a great run but I didn’t know it was going to be the best run,” Wallberg said. “Super happy when I saw the scores.”
To think, a few years ago a moguls maestro showed up to give him and other eager students some pointers.
That maestro? Kingsbury. The lessons he imparted stuck with Wallberg.
“Mik has always been an idol of mine since I started skiing moguls,” Wallberg said. “I remember asking him how he’s tuning his skis and tips in the moguls. Always been looking up to him.”
The King, though, wants his crown back.
“He gets to sit on the throne today,” cracked the 29-year-old Kingsbury, who finished with a score of 82.18. “It was a special run that he did. He deserves it. Very happy for him. I’ve known Walter for a long time and I told him, ‘Welcome to the club.’
“I’ll keep going. I love what I do. I’ll keep working hard for the next few years.”
Ikuma Horishima of Japan took home the bronze. As the athletes were positioning themselves for the post-contest pictures, Kingsbury looked almost confused where to stand and switched places with Horishima. Clearly, Kingsbury’s not used to finishing second.
It took a splendid run to knock off the skier who’s the gold standard in moguls. He takes some…
Source : espn
