British researcher Kerry McGawley moved to Sweden in 2011 and was surprised when she first heard about SOK's physical profile.
- The tests were simple and not scientifically based.
What surprised me the most was that all sports had the same test package.
I thought that was strange, she says.
According to SOK's director of operations Peter Reinebo, the aim is to measure the basic physics of Swedish athletes over time.
He says that a good basic physique is important to stay injury-free and stand your ground in a bid to be at the top of the world.
The researcher: "Sports are complex"
Kerry McGawley is a researcher at Mittuniversitetet and the National Winter Sports Center in Östersund, who, among other things, tests the Swedish elite in biathlon and cross-country skiing.
Their physical tests are not based on SOK's physical profile, but measure specific abilities.
For example, shooting exercises for the biathletes and exercises on conveyor belts for both biathletes and cross-country skiers.
- Sports are complex.
And all sports have different requirements.
It's not about chins, dips and brutal bench.
Or maybe it's a small part, but an individual's performance in their sport is so much more than simple physical tests.
"Probably no one was interested"
SVT Sport has spoken to six more Swedish sports researchers who question the physical profile and how it is used.
They describe the tests as outdated, unscientific and far too general.
Have you ever taken up your criticism of the physique profile?
- Yes, when I had recently moved to Sweden.
But then I was young and new and didn't know the language.
But I brought it up with colleagues and with various coaches and national team captains.
I had a different background from different countries with different sports so I tried to discuss based on my experience.
But probably no one was interested, says Kerry McGawley.