Anna Nordqvist was finally reunited with her clubs after waiting days for United Airlines to return it to her. (Photo courtesy of Anna Nordqvist)
RIO DE JANEIRO – Former Arizona State University golfer Anna Nordqvist has been reunited with her golf clubs, just days before she is set to compete in the Olympics.
A team of 25 Cronkite News reporters and three editors are in Rio de Janeiro covering the 2016 Summer Olympics.Nordqvist tweeted shortly before noon Sunday that her golf clubs and her bag had arrived in Brazil, two days after she arrived in the country.
Reunied and it feels so good!! ?? pic.twitter.com/LK3VTW0RVJ
— Anna Nordqvist (@ANordqvist) August 14, 2016
In an e-mail to Cronkite News, the airline said Nordqvist was reunited with her bag just in time to compete on Wednesday.
“We were so happy to see the picture of Anna reunited with her bag and we wish Anna the best in her game this week,” United Airlines’ spokesman Jonathan Guerin wrote.
Nordqvist tweeted Friday morning after arriving in Rio de Janeiro that she was here, but her golf clubs were not.
Thanks @united… 1k, priority tag, only checked one bag and had a 3hr layover in the US… still no golfclubs arrived! ??#bogey
— Anna Nordqvist (@ANordqvist) August 12, 2016
United Airlines tweeted a response five minutes later, saying they will “try to find some updates” on her bag.
@ANordqvist Hi Anna, please DM us your baggage claim number and we’ll try to find some updates for you. ^VM
— United (@united) August 12, 2016
In an e-mail to Cronkite News Friday, before the bag was returned to the Swedish golfer, the airline said it was working to reunite Nordqvist with her golf clubs as quickly as possible.
“We are in touch with Anna and we apologize for inconvenience,” United Airlines’ spokesman Jonathan Guerin wrote. “The equipment missed yesterday’s flight and our team is working to ensure it is delivered to Anna tonight.”
Nordqvist tweeted a Cronkite News reporter, after United’s statement was released and said that it was “not true” and that the earliest she would get her bag was the next day.
@TylerFingert @united @cronkitenews Not true.. earliest tmrw afternoon. fingers crossed!
— Anna Nordqvist (@ANordqvist) August 13, 2016
Nordqvist is scheduled to play her first Olympic round Wednesday. This is the first time golf is being played in the Olympics since 1904.
The Swedish golfer attended Arizona State University for two and a half years between 2006 and 2008 before joining the LPGA.
Story updated at 2 p.m. Arizona time.