Knape Lindberg rejects: "Has not been a culture of silence"

The survey shows that 25 out of 32 coaches with experience of the national team are dissatisfied with how the elite activities have been conducted and much of the criticism is directed at Ulrika Knape Lindberg's leadership.  

SVT Sport has also interviewed a number of people who responded to the survey and tell about a strong culture of silence and a fear of being excluded if you make a mistake.

None of those interviewed by SVT Sport want to put up with names.  

Ulrika Knape Lindberg does not recognize herself in the accusations leveled against her.

On the other hand, she returns several times in the interview to the fact that there has been criticism linked to the selections in the national team.

She points out that there have been clear guidelines on what applies to being selected.    

- A 12th place at the European Championships or a 16th place at the World Cup.

Both swimming and swimming have had this for many years.

So it's really very simple.

There have been clear rules, she says.

Questions why no one goes out with names

Ulrika Knape Lindberg also questions why none of the leaders SVT Sport has spoken to go out openly with their name.    

- It is very difficult when you have to be anonymous.

Because as I said, there may be a reason why some things have happened.

And there I really think you block the culture of silence when everything becomes anonymous.

I have nothing to do with Swedish swimming anymore, I'm away from there.

If they want an answer to something, they can come forward in that case, she says.    

But when you think back on your long time as national team captain and sports director, can you understand anything in this critique, can you think back on any situation where you may have been too harsh?

- (long silence) Fair.

So maybe.

No one just slipped on a banana peel.

Without trying to keep one and the same line based on the selection principles that have existed.

Since some have had views on it, I know that.

But it is because you have not reached the selection criteria we have had, and then it is clear you will be disappointed.

I would be too.    

Link the criticism to disappointment over selections

I have still talked to quite a few who feel this way.

Do you think they were too sensitive then?

Overall, they say that the climate has been harsh, and precisely that there has been a culture of silence, that they think it has been very difficult.

How can you experience it so differently?  

- It must stand for them and what they think.

And I know that people have had views that they have not been selected.

I know.

And they have been very annoyed and cursed at me for not being taken out.   

So you think it's just about selections for the national team or for coaching or refereeing assignments, this criticism?  

- I do not know.

I have no idea.

I have not seen the inventory, I have not seen the questions, I did not know that this would be done when I finished.

Therefore, I can not have any comments when I have no idea.  

Anna Lindberg took over as national team captain

When Ulrika Knape Lindberg left the national captaincy assignment last autumn, her daughter Anna Lindberg took over, also a successful swimmer.  

Five months later, in March this year, Anna Lindberg left her new job as national team captain.

She did not think she got the right conditions for the assignment, she said afterwards.  

Anna Lindberg was the national team captain when the Swedish Swimming Federation's internal investigation was conducted.

She tells SVT Sport that she has not taken part in the results or had any insight into the work. 

"What she has done is admirable"

When we tell her about the criticism of Ulrika Knape Lindberg's leadership, she does not agree.  

- A league captain is appointed because you seem to be suitable for your assignment.

Here we have a person who has both won an Olympic gold in his sport and worked non-profit in the sport for so many years.

I think Ulrika has really included coaches and leaders in a way that is admirable.

Then not everyone will be happy.  

Ulrika is your mother and former coach, can you speak neutrally about how the leadership has been experienced?  

- No, of course I'm not completely neutral.

We're family.

But I also know how she has worked.

I do not sit here and speak like her daughter, but I speak based on her role as the league captain and the job she has done.

And there I think what she has done is admirable. 

Did the investigation have anything to do with you quitting as league captain?  

- No, not at all, it had nothing to do with it, says Anna Lindberg.