Bengt "Bengan" Johansson's importance to Swedish handball can hardly be exaggerated.
As the national team captain for the Swedish men's national team in the years 1988-2004, he became popular when he led the team to 13 medals.
The last one came in 2002, a European Championship gold at home in the Globe.
It took 20 years until the feat was to be repeated, when Niclas Ekberg scored the penalty that makes it 27-26 against Spain in Budapest.
"He was extremely lonely about it"
What all the old players praise Bengt Johansson for is his leadership.
It is described as "open", "democratic" and "inclusive".
- He was extremely lonely at the beginning of the 90s.
He was quick to get his players involved, and certainly didn't get on any high horses.
He wanted players' opinions and made sure a lot of people were involved in the game.
It created a greater commitment and personal responsibility among us players, says Staffan Olsson, who himself was the national team captain between 2008-2016.
- He was phenomenal at making everyone feel involved.
He made everyone accept his playing time and created a group dynamic, regardless of how much you played, says Stefan Lövgren.
Described as a door opener for future leaders
In January, current national team captain Glenn Solberg has a new chance for success, when the World Cup is decided in Sweden and Poland.
Stefan Lövgren believes that "Bengan" indirectly has a part in the success as he showed the way for a leadership that is much more common today, something that Glenn Solberg agrees with.
- It's not just handball.
He has been a forerunner for many sports leaders.
He opened the door for inclusive leadership and showed the way, says Stefan Lövgren.
- He was a great role model, I grew up with him and the Swedish model.
Both Bengan and other Swedish coaches have shaped my career.
He is a fantastic person and human being, says Glenn Solberg.
"Has meant a lot to me as a person"
Bengt Johansson was 79 years old after passing away in May.
- He has left unforgettable traces and memories for Swedish handball.
All successful leadership is one like Bengt's, says Stefan Lövgren.
- Quite a few of us became leaders and coaches from the team.
I think that is proof that we got to test our wings quite early, to take responsibility and try tactics.
He will have a lot of credit for that, says Staffan Olsson.
CUT: This was Bengt Johansson
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Bengt "Bengan" Johansson.
Photo: Bildbyrån