Hello there, Dalian Dawody, World Champion in the 71 kg class in Muay Thai and student in the Business and Economics program at the Elite Sports University, Karlstad University...
...You’ve been nominated for Male Athlete of the Year at the 2026 Swedish Sports Gala – congratulations!
The traditional question can’t be avoided: How does it feel to receive such recognition?
"It’s a mix of emotions. I feel very happy and at the same time relieved to receive recognition and attention for the work I’ve put in. And I’m in very prominent company with Armand Duplantis, Truls Möregårdh, and Andreas Almgren – that’s amazing!"
You’ve known about this for a week – what went through your mind when you got the news?
"I didn’t really understand how big this was at first. When I realized it, I got a bit nervous about what was about to happen."
What does a nomination like this mean for your athletic career?
"Everything! It’s proof of the hard work I’ve put in. It also means recognition for the sport and for future generations within it."
What does 2026 look like for you, both in sports and studies?
"I have two smaller exams left, one before the New Year and one after the holidays. My plan, if everything goes as it should, is to graduate this spring. In terms of sports, I’m heading to Thailand in December, and I have a big match—perhaps my biggest so far—scheduled in Thailand in January. Then I’ll return home to attend the Sports Gala."
Once again, the biggest congratulations from the Elite Sports University at Karlstad University!
