When Petter Myhlback quit as Swedish paddock manager after last season, a job advertisement went out with a long list of demands. Anders Byström does not want to say how many applied for the job. It’s a tough job – but the national team doesn’t need the best fencer for the job:
— Specialist knowledge in herding is not number one for us. It is more important to have leadership and a drive to lead the team, where the best dykes are. This is a job for anyone who wants to be a leader and lead other people to make them better, says Anders Byström and continues:
— It is also fun and challenging. You get to be with our best at championships and everything. It certainly attracts a nerve to be able to participate and influence. But it’s not often you get praise, it’s easier to end up the other way.
National team manager Anders Byström. Stock image. Create trust yourself
Perry Olsson, Swedish herd manager in the years 1998 to 2002, is considered one of the world’s best herdsmen. Today he works for Jonna Sundling, William Poromaa and Jens Burman.
Perry Olsson says that the future dam manager must create confidence:
— It is not something you get, but is created from the riders. If you have trust from the riders, you also get it from coaches and other leaders. But it is something you have to create yourself.
In connection with this winter’s WC in Planica, the trust in Petter Myhlback was challenged. He questioned Frida Karlsson’s testimony about badly groomed sides, at the same time that several Swedish skiers had worse groomed skis. Perry Olsson talks about hard days in the herd team.
— The fact that the riders were not satisfied affected the whole team. It was hard.
Persuaded
Even Urban Nilsson, Swedish election manager 2012–2019, emphasizes the importance of trust:
— You must have both the trust of the riders and the Swedish people. There are many talented breeders on the TV sofas.
Many qualified people hesitate or do not want to apply for the job. Among other things, the star stallion Mats Eklund, who is now acting stall manager. That development does not surprise Urban Nilsson, who was persuaded to take the job by former athletics leader Ulf Karlsson, who was then the ski national team manager.
— I was satisfied with my position as materials manager. But I was aware of the big picture and would benefit from my time as a fire chief at the rescue service. That’s why I said yes, narrator Urban Nilsson continues:
— It is a vulnerable and incredibly demanding position. You have to have an extraordinary commitment every day of the year. You have to think about development in herding. Personal chemistry between the dykes, riders and leaders. It should work with trucks, drivers and camps. You have to be responsive and put the puzzle together for this circus. It’s a thankless job, but an honor to work with the world’s best team.
Former race director Urban Nilsson answers questions after a less than successful day at work during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics. Stock image. May lose confidence
Urban Nilsson remembers the meetings with the media after races where the riders were herded away.
— If you have the support of the herding team, the riders and the leaders, you can more safely go to the press box and tell them how it was. But if you don’t feel the support, and there is a miss, you can lose the confidence of the riders.
Anders Byström says that it may take until August before the new head of the herd is presented. The last time a new herd manager was ready this late was in August 2019. The following winter was marked by several herd misses.
— It is more important to get it right than to go fast. We have a herding team that is ingrained and knows what to do – even without a manager.