Exclusive interview: Rolf Göran Bengtsson before Rio 2016
Atlasbalans interviews Rolf Göran Bengtsson before the competitions in Rio 2016
- Preparations before
- Why Casall Ask will not be competing
- What does the Olympic Games mean to Rolf Göran Bengtsson?
On August 14th, it is time for Rolf Göran Bengtsson and the Swedish team to make an entrance in Rio 2016. The hopes for the Swedish team are great and there are possibilities for medals, both individually and in the team competition. But for Rolf Göran Bengtsson the trip to Rio 2016 has been anything but easy.
It was in the 2012 London Olympics it was supposed to happen. Rolf Göran Bengtsson’s star horse Casall Ask was at the height of his career when that, which is not allowed to happen happened – an injury destroyed several years of preparation and the Olympics ended in disappointment. Since then Casall Ask despite his age continued to deliver great results, but there will not be any Olympic Games for the big star. But that is not because he is not good enough, it is respect and compassion that keeps him at home.
“He is 17 years old and we do not want to expose him to such a tough competition as an Olympic Game”
When we meet Rolf Göran Bengtsson at Schloss Breitenburg northwest of Hamburg for another round of Swedish Fascia Vibes he says that he has no doubts that Casall could perform in the Olympics. But there is a risk that it could be too much. Casall has given so much for so long and he deserves to finish on top, with dignity.
Instead it will be Unita Ask who goes to Rio and considering how she looked during the spring, chances are good. Märta Lindqvist, deep wave therapist, has flown down to Hamburg to treat, among others Unita, Casall and Clarimo about once a month since November 2015. When we reach her on the phone, we ask her about the latest round of deep wave treatment, shortly before his departure to Rio, and the status of Unita Ask.
“Unita is so incredibly smart and she always does her best. She now feels very nice in the body and has all the potential to do well in Rio.”
Märta herself could not go to Rio, but the national team’s osteopath George Oduro has, as at every major competition, brought with him a Deep wave machine. When they talked the other day he said that they are in full preparation, and ensuring that the horses are soft and flexible before the races.
We at Atlasbalans will keep our fingers crossed and follow the races with excitement.