Nickname: The Striking Viking

Home Town : Gavle, Sweden

Current Residence : Conway, SC

Year Turned Pro : 1981

First Pro Event : World Open, Ny, NY

Sponsors : Brunswick Billiards

What is your greatest strength?

Pattern play in 14.1 and 9-ball and trick shots.

What is your favorite memory of the sport?

Winning the 1994 World 9-Ball Championship was an incredible moment. Also, to see the first event on the WPBA Classic Tour get on the way in 1993 after years of planning, hoping and working to make it happen. Especially since we were told repeatedly it couldn’t be done…

How did you get started playing the sport?

I started in Sweden, where I was born and raised and after having been a bit of a tomboy my whole childhood, playing all kinds of sports, I found billiards. When I turned 17 years old, I won the Swedish and European Championships and the Swedish Billiard Association sent me to represent Europe at the World Open in New York City. I decided to stay in the US, with a dream to become a professional billiards player.

What advice would you give an aspiring player?

To play for the love of the game. Winning, money, fame; none can be accomplished unless you play because you enjoy playing and learning. The other suggestion I have is to watch every match on ESPN and go to local, regional or national tournaments to watch and learn. Join a league to get used to the competition. Read instructional books to gain knowledge of things in minutes that otherwise can take years, if learned by trial and error. If you’re under aged, go the Billiard Education Foundation’s website for opportunities and information at www.BilliardEducation.org

Places you have travels or explored?

I’ve been luck enough to travel to compete and perform trick shot shows pretty much all over the world. I’ve been to Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Bosnia, Poland, Greece, The UK and all but two states here in the US.

Other hobbies/activities?

My family, our dogs, cats and horses first and foremost. My other passion is the game of golf. Table tennis, scrabble, gardening.

Why do you love pool?

I love the personal challenge it demands, on a mental, emotional and physical level. It’s also such an intelligent game, where you continue to learn for the rest of you life.

What are your goals?

They change-My goal was always to be the best in the world, becoming a world champion, the number one player in the world. I accomplished that. Now it’s just as important for me to promote the game, performing shows and speak about the sport, encouraging young and old alike to pick up a cue. But don’t get me wrong. I still want to win.

What can't you live without?

My family, friends and animals. Oh, and my cue, laptop and 7 wood…

Who is your biggest influence?

I think this changes from year to year. There has been, and continues to be, many important role models and inspiring people in my life. I think my daughter Nikki has probably influenced me the most, however. It’s incredible how you grow by learning from your kids.

What is your most treasured possession?

I don’t really get too attached to physical things. I’m not a collector of anything other than photos. I guess that’s it.

Favorite movie?

Spartacus. Other than my husband, Kirk Douglas does it for me.

Favorite shot?

The last one I made!

Favorite pool hall?

Any of the Boston Billiard Clubs and my own poolroom at my house.

What are five songs on your iPod?

”Love Song for Bobby Long”, Crayson Capps; “Don’t Know Why”, Sofie Hurtig; “Put Your Records On”, Corinne Bailey Rae; “Crazy”, Gnarles Barkley; “Stairway to Heaven”, Led Zeppelin

What was your first car?

1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

What living person do you most admire?

My beautiful, intelligent, hard working, dedicated student and exceptional equestrian daughter Nikki.

Titles Won

Swedish 9-ball & 14.1 Champion, European 14.1 Champion, US Open 9-ball Champion, World 9-ball Champion, WPBA National 9-ball Champion, International 8-ball Champion, International 9-ball Champion, International Trick Shot Champion, World Cup of Trick Shots Champion.