Kratz was the first champ: ”Past times seldom better, but you can miss them”

Mikael Kratz was only 15 when he won the very first world championships.

Today he is 51 and remembers the good old days.

Or does he?

✔ Merits: World champion 1989 in Stockholm (at the age of 15, still the youngest to win).

✔ Results: Won the final against Jonny Stener by 4-3 (0-5, 4-1, 2-3, 2-0, 2-1, 3-6, 2-1).

✔ Profile: Our first champion. A table hockey prodigy, raised in rural Orsa and mentored by the first emperor Göran Agdur. Mastered the later forbidden foot shot, named after the Orsa club, but the hands of Mikael Kratz were always as smooth as they were big.

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

“Except for temporarily losing my yellow timer during the final day I don’t remember much at all, unfortunately. Only afterwards I have seen video clips, for example from the last game of the final when I beat Jonny Stener by 2-1. I have no memories from the playoffs or the games.”

What were the keys to your victory?

“Hard to answer since I don’t remember.”

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

“I guess it was a little surprising when I won in 1989. Therefore it doesn’t sound strange to me that I didn’t defend the gold. I am sure that I tried, but I don’t even remember where or when the next world championships were played.”

When was the last time you played table hockey?

“I guess it was 1992 or 1993. I have no memory of my last game, what tournament it was or even exactly when it was played.”

What are your impressions of international table hockey today?

“Oh, I have no idea. But from what I have heard there are no longer any Swedes in the top positions of the world ranking.”

Are there things that were better in the past?

“Past times are seldom better. But of course you can miss them.”

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?

“No.”

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

“Since 1996 I have worked for a big American tech company and I play far too much padel.”

Who will win the world championships 2025?

“I have no idea. But since you tell me about the new rule, maybe Jacob Lindahl could be a candidate if he makes a comeback.”