On NRK’s own websites, ahead of the recording, you could vote for your favorite to win “Master of Masters”. A full 17 percent voted for former wrestler Stig-André Berge, who thus received the second most votes.
Only rower Olaf Tufte got more.
– I certainly didn’t live up to that favorite stamp, but I also saw myself as a possible finalist at the forefront, Berge says when Good Evening Norway meets him in Sandefjord.
OUT: The Masters was a short affair for Stig-Andre. Photo: HEIDI MARIE GOPEROD
– Not the best that remain
Berge was at the top after the first six competitions, but in program three it was team spirit that was the theme.
– When you have team competitions, you have to have a bit of luck. You will be put up with the right team in the right competition. I probably hampered my team in some competitions, then maybe I was hampered in some competitions. That’s how it is, explains the 39-year-old.
It was former handball player Linn Jørum Sulland who ended up at the bottom of program three, and took second-placed Berge with him in the night test. Although Sulland won 2-0, it was a very even affair, as you can see in the video window at the top.
– It was quite difficult to rush out so early, admits Berge.
HAPPY: Sulland survived another week. Photo: HEIDI MARIE GOPEROD
Sulland also thought it was awkward that he had to leave.
– Some of the weeks are a bit of bingo, and it may not be the best that remain. But I have realized that this is a TV production, and not a serious competition that we are used to, she smiles.
CHAMPIONS: There is a good atmosphere among the participants in the Champions of Masters. Photo: HEIDI MARIE GOPEROD
Enough to do
Stig-André Berge retired as a professional wrestler last year.
– Getting things from a distance was actually very good, I was very happy with what I have achieved and there is a time for everything. I noticed that I was getting worse and worse, says Berge.
Now he is both a co-owner of a business and the father of two young children. In other words, he has more than enough to hang his fingers on.
STRONG: Stig-Andre took his son Niklas with him when he took up wrestling. Photo: Javad Parsa
– I’m a yes person who should learn to say no to things, but I haven’t been able to do that. I love having a lot to do, and I’ve been away so much in recent years that I want to be more at home and to be more of a family man.
Berge’s four-year-old boy said something to him when he left that made an impression.
– He thought it was so nice that he had finally got a dad, then it stung a little in the heart, and then I knew it was time to be at home more, explains the 39-year-old.
Date at the wrestling club
When Good Evening Norway met Berge and his wife Rosell Utne at the Sports Gala recently, they talked about their new life. Utne was very pleased that they now have more time for each other.
– It’s a new, nice everyday life. My sister has moved here so she is a permanent babysitter. We try to date a bit, but our date is to go to the wrestling club once a week and train a bit, she smiled.
She was also happy that Stig André now contributes more at home.
– Those kids get up terribly early, laughed the former wrestler.
