Minister Tears ACL While Trying American Football

Swedish Minister of Equality Nina Larsson, a member of the Liberal Party, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament while participating in an American football practice. The incident occurred three weeks prior to the report, during a visit to the Tyresö Royal Crowns women's team, an event Larsson attended to learn more about the sport.

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I think it's cool that Tyresö has started a women's team in such a niche sport in Sweden. So I said yes.

Larsson, who engages in regular physical activity, viewed the participation as a training session. Initially intending to join for a few drills and pose for photos, she found the activity so enjoyable that she completed the entire practice. During a tackling exercise, she sustained the injury to her left knee after twisting it slightly on two separate occasions before falling on the third attempt. Despite the pain, she continued practicing.

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We did tackling exercises and I go all in when I do things.

A subsequent medical examination, including an MRI, confirmed the torn ACL. While she can manage without the ligament, Larsson, who is also a reserve officer, acknowledges that surgery might be necessary due to the physical demands of her military role. She plans to consult with her doctor after the upcoming election to determine the best course of action.

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It hurt, but it wasn't so bad that I stopped, so I kept going.

When asked about her political future, Larsson humorously suggested that if she continues as a minister after the election, she might be able to avoid surgery.

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I am an active person, so I can't train the same way. I have to do my rehab now instead.