Österman doesn’t miss his heyday: ”Believe I’m a better player today”

He played his first world championship in 1995.

Three decades later Hans Österman, 47, is still in the lineup.

But in his mind there is no room for nostalgia.

✔ Merits: World champion 1997 in Helsinki, 2001 in Plzen and 2005 in Riga.

✔ Results: Won the 1997 final against Jimmy Holm by 3-2 (3-2s, 4-3s, 2-3s, 1-4, 6-1), the 2001 final against Thomas Petersson by 4-1 (4-1, 1-3, 4-1, 4-3, 4-3) and the 2005 final against Roni Nuttunen by 4-2 (3-0, 4-1, 1-2, 3-2, 3-4, 2-1).

✔ Profile: The now veteran-aged Swede is still the only player with three world championship titles. Probably he will never get a fourth, but by just staying in the game, he lives as he preaches: There is no such thing as quitting table hockey, you just have breaks.

What do you remember the most from your world championship golds?

“The gold in Helsinki was also my first ever tournament win on a national or international level. I remember the feeling of finally beating Jacob Lindahl in the semis and how unreal, yet somehow logical, it felt. I was ready. In the final, most of the other Swedes rooted for my opponent and I felt a little low. But then, before the fifth and decisive game, Johan Gustafsson took me to the bar, gave me a pint of water and said: Do you really believe that you can lose this? That meant the world to me. And I won. The second title in 2001 felt mostly like bringing home what mine to lose. The third, another four years later, is closest to my heart. Finally beating my nemesis Daniel Wallén in what was maybe the actual final in the quarters, then the victory against young Roni and keeping Sweden on top one last time. This was my peak, his was to come.”

What were the keys to your victories?

“Knowing my opponents, being a bit neurotic about my weaknesses, and still believing fully in my strengths – that has always been a good formula to success.”

Why didn’t you defend the gold medal at the following world championships?

“In 1999, Thomas Petersson took advantage of the slippery games and of our previous training sessions and beat me in the quarter final. In 2003, Jacob Lindahl and I played a fantastic semifinal in which I lacked the margins to win. In 2007, Roni was simply two years older and finally ready.”

When was the last time you played table hockey?

“A few hours ago I had a good practice series with my son Uno. As always it ended up with game seven. Having him around is my cheat code to defy aging. Too bad he is moving out this autumn.”

What are your impressions of international table hockey today?

“For the first time I feel that the hype and general skill level might be declining a little. That, too, can be blamed on what was started in February 2022.”

Are there things that were better in the past?

“Not too many. Evolution will always take us further. Development is the whole point of a prolonged career. I still try to learn new stuff and that’s why playing doesn’t stop to be fun. In absolute terms, I believe I’m a better player today than in my prime.”

Is there a chance that we will see you in future championships with help from the new rule that all former world champions are directly qualified?

“I hope that I will stay active enough not to draw that card. But never say never.”

What do you do nowadays? And is there another hobby that has replaced or can compete with table hockey in your daily life?

“I still work in the news business and I still love it. In my spare time I combine table hockey with other things. I sing in a choir with Bie Karlsson and have started to bake authentic Neapolitan pizza in a wood fired oven.”

Who will win the world championships 2025?

“Betting against Rainers Kalnins would be reckless, given his results and continuous development. He goes up against his own demons. Eventually he will be ready to win a championship final and my prediction is that the time has come.”