Between rounds with... Helen Alfredsson
Posted on Friday, July 4, 2008
Helen Alfredsson, 43, burst back onto the LPGA scene Sunday with a runnerup finish at the U. S. Women’s Open in Edina, Minn. Alfredsson, of Sweden, had a memorable blow-up on the 10 th hole when she cursed herself in Swedish and kicked her putter. Alfredsson, who was a fashion model for six months at 18, has won five tournaments, including a major victory at the 1993 Dinah Shore. She has won more than $ 4 million since turning pro in 1992 and has always been one of the most colorful and outspoken members of the LPGA. You’ve done a lot of stuff away from the golf course, flying with the Blue Angels and drag racing. What was the most fun ? Oh, the Blue Angels. I’ve always said I would do that in a heartbeat. If someone picked me up right now, I would do it. They did everything with me. For 45 minutes I was up there, pulling all the G’s, fainting. I could have [got nauseous ] if he had pulled a little bit more. I was dreaming I was sick standing in a bar. That’s not good, is it ? I was thinking, ‘What am I doing here ?’ One thing you’re known for is speaking the truth.
I always have. The funny thing is I get away with it now. I’m over 40, and now I have the experience to say what I feel. In my 20 ’s, I was an obnoxious little s ***. Now, they appreciate it. I pretty much say the same things.
You had a memorable moment at the Open when you said something in Swedish and kicked your putter. Does that surprise people because they think of the Swedish as real...
Boring, yeah. All my friends growing up were Latin so they never considered me Swedish. All my [newspaper ] articles, ‘Is she crazy or what ?’ Somebody called me an Italian race-car driver in rush-hour traffic. You always are who you are. I’m obviously normal in my world.
Maybe not in Sweden.
Exactly. It’s funny how honesty prevails. Even in Sweden, they see now how I’ve always been the same, through success, through s *** ty years.
Does it help being married to an athlete (former NHL player Kent Nilsson )?
You both have your egos and you’re used to getting your way. Sometimes it’s not always that easy.
How does he put up with your temper ?
A Well, he’s learning. He’s very calm. At home, with his kids, I’m very calm and relaxed and easygoing. I’m very much Bohemian. Whatever goes, goes.
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