Swedes in the News

Gradin new Honorary Consul

Former professional hockey player Thomas Gradin has recently taken over from Anders Neumuller (former owner and editor of Swedish Press) as Honorary Consul for British Columbia and Yukon. Born in Sollefteå, Gradin has had a long and succesful ice hockey career, in the Swedish Elite League, the NHL (Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks) and Tre Kronor. He currently works as a scout for the Vancouver Canucks. ‘I

am very honoured to have been appointed as Honorary Consul,’ says Gradin. ‘It will be interesting continuing the job that Anders and Hamida have been doing outstandingly for so many years and I am looking forward to developing the Swedish creative force in this province.’

Zlatan sends Sweden to Brazil

He’s done it again! Star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a late goal in Sweden’s recent World Cup qualifier match against Austria, guaranteeing a place in next

Swedish table tennis star on Chinese stamp

Jan-Ove Walder is known as “the Mozart of table tennis” and is a legend in both Sweden and in China, where he is known as “Old Wal” – undeniably the greatest table tennis player of all time. Photo credit: AP/Vincent Yu

Six-times world table tennis champion and former Olympic gold medallist, Jan-Ove Waldner, has become the first-ever living foreigner to feature on a stamp in China. The Swedish star became famous in the table tennis-mad country in the 1990s. He no longer plays professionally but is a household name in China, and owns a restaurant in Beijing where Swedish meatballs are served.

year’s finals in Brazil. With just four minutes to go, the Paris St Germain player netted the three extra points needed to ensure the Swedish football team will be heading to Brazil next June.

Angello wins award

The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles recently awarded the prestigious Eliason Merit Award to Swedish House Mafia star Steve Angello, in recognition of his persistant musical innovation which has significantly contributed to a strengthening of Swedish-American relations. “To receive a prize like this is a great honor,…” says Steve Angello. “When something like this happens, you feel empowered to go further and work harder.” The prize will be awarded at a rooftop ceremony at the W Hollywood Hotel on November 22.

Monica Z in the spotlight

A new film about the life of the late Swedish jazz singer Monica Zetterlund has brought the national treasure back into the spotlight and caused controversy due to the unfavourable depic-

tion of her father. The film Monica Z (English title: ‘Waltz for Monica’) is currently on release in Sweden and stars singer/songwriter Edda Magnason as the singer who rose from smalltown telephone operator to international celebrity.