Legendary skier: "I was completely run down at the bottom"

No one has ridden more Vasaloppet than Börje Karlsson.

He has completed the classic 60 times.

It could have been significantly fewer.

As early as 1957, before Småland's second Vasaloppet, he suffered a broken herniated disc.

There was a risk that he would never be able to ski again.

- It was the biggest adversity I have had.

I was completely run down at the bottom.

I had a 50 percent chance of surviving and a 50 percent chance of becoming disabled.

I would never have to make an effort again ever, says Börje Karlsson in the documentary "Vasaloppsmannen".

"Got blurred vision"

But he recovered and then won 57 straight Vasaloppet.

In 2017, however, the trend was broken.

After two checks, Karlsson collapsed.

He had suffered a stroke and was flown to hospital, then 83 years old.

- I felt that it would not be possible to finish the race.

It just got slower and worse and worse.

I had blurred vision and did not see the track.

"Be like a big dream"

So he would go back again.

February 24, 2020, he completed the record run.

- The whole race was like a big dream.

It felt like a higher power was guarding me, says Karlsson about his 60th Vasalopp.

The ski veteran also made an attempt at another race, but was forced to break.

Now he's done.

- I can say that I have done my last.

I've had a hard time with that before.

But I have neither balance nor technology left anymore.

At some point, it must end.

The documentary "Vasaloppsmannen" is broadcast on SVT1 at 11.30 on Saturday 26 February.

It is also available to watch on SVT Play.