01/10/2014
Amid a Storm of Emotion, a Calming Influence Guides the United States
By: Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
The message is clear from Angie Bengtsson, "i want you to win!" Photo By: Richard Xue
12/12/2013
No quarter is given, no quarter is asked; emotions are not hidden as the players strive for success at the Parapan tournament now in its second day of action, Thursday 12th December, in San José, the capital of the Central American country of Costa Rica.
Not only do the players show their feelings, some of the advisors sitting courtside become embroiled in the battles; likewise they show their feelings.
Sometimes, the reaction of an over excited coach can have an adverse effect; a coach who sits quietly, displays a genuine caring for the players, encourages, congratulates or consoles as necessary, is the mentor required.
Greatest Respect
Such a person is in San José and clearly everyone who receives advice from the charming lady has the greatest respect for her efforts.
The lady in question is Angie Bengtsson; in her own right she has earned the respect of those she advises but of course the surname in itself is one that is revered, her husband Stellan has a special place in the history books of table tennis.
First Ever Swede
Winner of the Men’s Singles title at the World Championships in Nagoya in 1971, the first Swede and first ever left hander to secure the title, Stellan Bengtsson has played and coached at every level; however, now with wife Angie, efforts are directed towards primarily towards Para Table Tennis.
Stellan has the official title of Executive Para Table Tennis Coach for the United States, Angie is the Consultant Coach; whatever the titles I suspect neither is too concerned about the appellation, the task is to help and support the players, not seek personal glory.
Motivated by Mike Dempsey Memorial Tournament
The roles started in earnest just over one year ago when they were asked to assist at the Mike Dempsey Memorial Tournament; they volunteered their help and it was gratefully received.
“I had known Mike Dempsey since the 1970s; I played for California at the United States Team Championships, he represented Texas”, reminisced Angie Bengtsson. “He played in a wheelchair against standing players; we just became good friends.”
Coached in Qatar
Angie was to move to Europe and marry Stellan; later in 2005 and 2006 they were in Doha, Qatar where Stellan coached at the Aspire Academy alongside Jörgen Persson.
Matters concluded in the Middle East the couple moved to San Diego; the city where Angie had been primarily born and raised.
“Stellan started to coach Mike Dempsey, they became very close friends”, continued Angie Bengtsson whose eyes welled holding back the tears as she remembered the late family friend. The effect was that other Para Table Tennis players wanted to benefit from the expertise of Stellan and Angie Bengtsson.
Players Joined Group
“Players asked if they could join our coaching group”, continued Angie Bengtsson in nostalgic mood. “Daryl Sterling, Andre Scott and Ari Arratia all joined.”
All three are competing at the current Parapan Tournament in Costa Rica and when Angie Bengstsson gives advice they absorb every syllable uttered like a sponge. Not only are the advised technically and tactically, they are motivated; not by outrageous gestures but by quite words of encouragement.
Vladimir Samsonov explained that he wants one person sitting courtside who wants him to win, he can’t suddenly change from being an attacking player to a defender; in San José the United States Team possesses such a caring coach. The surname is Bengtsson, the first name is Angie.
Photos of the Day from Parapan by Richard Xue
Training Camps
“Now thanks to the help of André Scott we are organising two Training Camps a year for Para players”, explained Angie Bengtsson, who has worked closely with André Scott for the past year. He is the organiser of the Mike Dempsey Memorial Tournament.
Clearly, Angie Bengtsson enjoys every minute of working with Para Table Tennis players; inside she shares their joys, their disappointments but she never lets her emotions affect her charges. She respects them just as they respect her.
Big Egos
“In able bodied table tennis there are so many players with big egos”, said Angie Bengtssson. “Here at Parapan they battle to the end then hug each other after the match, also most are Christians, they love Jesus; Stellan and myself love that.”
Simply Stellan and Angie Bengtsson are doing what they enjoy; it is totally their choice; many high ranking players, clubs and countries would welcome the advice of Stellan Bengtsson but the most pleasant city of San Diego and Para Table Tennis is their home.
Recovering from Illness
Unfortunately Stellan Bengtsson is not in San José; he is at home in San Diego; he suffered from a detached retina earlier this year; he underwent an operation in September which was not successful.
Thankfully, the ensuing operation in October was a success.
Long May the Work Continue
We all wish a living legend of sport a speedy recovery and alongside Angie long may they continue helping members of the United States Para Table Tennis Team.
The efforts make are welcomed, appreciated and totally respected; special people helping special people, an example to all.
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