How SAS paid tribute to the marathon hero on his flight home

Last Sunday, Andreas Almgren made Swedish sporting history when he won the New York Marathon on his debut over the distance. On Wednesday morning, he landed at Arlanda after flying home from New York on SAS flight SK904. But the tributes began even before boarding.

- While I was sitting in the lounge waiting, someone came over and asked whether I wanted to board before everyone else. Of course, I said, Andreas Almgren tells Sportbladet.

Once on board, further surprises awaited.

- They had made the lighting on the aircraft blue and yellow for my sake, and during the approach I got to sit in the cockpit. It was great fun, says Andreas Almgren.

SAS also highlighted the journey home in a post on LinkedIn, where the airline congratulates Andreas Almgren on his victory and expresses pride at having flown the Swedish marathon winner home.  

Further tributes awaited at Arlanda, with flowers, cake and a crown.

- It is a journey home I will remember, Andreas Almgren tells TT.