Åhman/Hellvig Duo Splits: Girlfriend and Sister Step In

They have made a significant impact over the past year. But next week, the Åhman/Hellvig team will split. Now they explain why.

– We got to choose a bit ourselves how to handle it, says David Åhman.

David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig took the Swedish public by storm during the Paris Olympics last year. Their success has continued, and last week it was announced that they will be awarded the prestigious Victoriapriset this summer.

– It's surreal when you think back to how it was a few years ago. Then you see this list with other athletes who have received the award. It's a bit hard to understand that we will be part of it, says Jonatan Hellvig.

“We're the worst at golf, but why not?”

One name on the list has particularly caught the attention of the now beloved beach volleyball players: Ingemar Stenmark.

– It's cool, he's a legend, says David Åhman and continues:

– It's all pretty crazy. They asked if we could come to Öland the day before we receive the award so we can play golf with the prince too. We were like: “we're the worst at golf, but why not?”

Before that, a world tour event awaits on Swedish soil this weekend for the duo. However, when the King of the Court in Utrecht takes place next week, they will be separated. Instead, Jonatan Hellvig will team up with Jacob Hölting Nilsson, who usually plays with Elmer Andersson.

Now they come with reassuring news about the split.

– We got to choose a bit ourselves how to handle it. We have time off over midsummer, and King of the Court is mostly a fun tournament without ranking points. We have so little free time, and I felt it would be nice to be home for midsummer for once, says David Åhman.

Girlfriend and Sister Take Over

Despite this, the Åhman family will be represented during the tournament. David's sister Fanny will participate alongside Jonatan Hellvig's girlfriend Isabelle Reffel.

To some extent, an Åhman/Hellvig duo in a new form.

– That's how it is, I thought it sounded fun and asked if Jacob (Hölting Nilsson) wanted to step in, so it's just a fun thing, says Jonatan Hellvig.

You both usually play as blockers, how will that work?

– Yes, we'll see. We haven't played much together, so we might have to share the block a bit. It will be exciting.

David Åhman sees another solution ahead.

– Go for double blocks!