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He became famous in Spain after he disobeyed a police order to evacuate by swimming across a raging river to save his dogs.
After first appearing on national television, a video showing him fighting through the terrifying floodwaters went viral worldwide.
It didn’t help that the Swedish expat’s local mayor labelled him ‘irresponsible’, while police warned he could be arrested and fined €20,000.
But Lars Walker is made of sterner stuff: this brave expat of many decades in Spain decided to strike out on a brave mission to save his rescue dogs and his ‘livelihood’.
The 63-year old viking said that Olive Press this week, he would do it again in a ‘blink of an eye’.
Talking 72 hours after he crossed the River Guadalete after it burst its banks during Storm Leonardo last week, he said he was ‘saddened’ by the criticism and threats.
He insisted that had he not taken the mission, it would have meant ‘almost certain death’ for his two dogs, Sito and Chavito, stuck at his home in La Corte, near Jerez de la Frontera in southern Spain.
In an exclusive interview, the Swede recalled the harrowing ordeal – and hit back at Jerez mayor Maria Jose Garcia-Pelayo who accused him of ‘endangering the lives of his rescuers’.
“I feel so hurt by all of the negative feedback,” he told reporters Olive Press His girlfriend’s home is in Cadiz. “People say I was reckless but I did what I needed to.
He added, “My dogs were in the house and my whole livelihood was there.” “What was I meant to do?”
READ MORE WATCH: Swedish expat attempts to swim across river to rescue pets from his home during flooding in Jerez – with predictable results
Walker’s ordeal was triggered by the storm Leonardo on Friday. The storm, which has killed two people in Andalucia so far, brought torrential downpours and gale-force wind to the area.
The kayaker, entrepreneur and professional decided to ride the storm out with his dogs in the apartment on the upper floor of the watersports company that offered kayaking tours along the Guadalete.
Floodwaters threatened to destroy Walker’s entire property as the river surged near unprecedented levels.
Walker recalled, “I watched water pouring into my basement.” By the time I got down there to check, it was already knee-deep.
READ MORE Storm Leonardo has forced over 7,000 people to evacuate across Andalucia. Storm Marta is expected to arrive at the weekend.
Watching the river rip through the area, Walker realised his two cars – parked nearby on the A-2002 – were at risk of being swept away.
Walker, who had been a competitive kayaker in 1989 and a Scandinavian champion that year, was confident he would be able to paddle across floodwaters so he could hand over his car keys waiting for him on the opposite side.
He bravely got into his kayak and braved the torrent. His friends drove the vehicles safely.
However, the return journey was a disaster. Walker’s kayak crashed violently into an underwater wooden structure as he paddled toward his home. He said, “I did make a mistake there.”
The collision had destroyed the kayak beyond repair, Walker realised – so he made the split-second decision to abandon it and swim back through the churning water. He continued, “I had to go home to my dog.”
The viral video was of him wading upstream through the raging waters, clinging on to branches and fighting his way.
READ MORE WATCH: Spanish TV channel sends reporter in flood waters of Cadiz to stand at ground zero for Storm Leonardo
The Swede was insistent. Olive Press Every move he took was deliberate and based on his years of experience in wild river.
“People say I was lucky to grab the branches – but I went to them on purpose,” he said. “I am familiar with rivers.”
Walker made it home safely after a long and harrowing battle. Once inside, he rushed upstairs to reach Sito and Chavito – and shortly afterwards, a Guardia Civil boat arrived and ferried the trio to safety.
While many hailed him as a hero, others were quick to condemn him – accusing him of recklessness and of ‘endangering the lives’ of his rescuers.
Walker responded, “But I’ve never asked for help.” “I only did what I needed to do, and I never intended to put anyone else at risk.”
He also said that, as an experienced kayaker he has encountered far more severe conditions.
He said, “This was terrifying but I knew exactly what I was doing.” I could have made it by myself. “Anything for my dog.”
Walker wants to get back to his home as the floodwaters recede.
“Sito and Chavito are safe – we’re staying with my girlfriend in Cadiz,” he said. “But I still have my livelihood there.”
“My kayaks, canoes, all my equipment – it’s half-submerged in water,” he added. “I’d like to go back and secure my equipment, or have someone else do it in the event that I am not allowed.”
“I’m ruined if I lose that which is there,” said he.
Walker, who was born in Stockholm, has been running his kayaking company since he was a young man. Puerto de JerezSince 2021,.
He ran a team-building company in Marbella for several years before moving to Gothenburg, Sweden in 2012. He returned to Spain after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I belong to this community.” He said, “People know who I am.” I only wish that I had the opportunity to clarify myself sooner. I did what I had to do – and now I fear being punished for it.”
The Olive Press provides weather updates.
