1 of 2Photo: Pontus Lundal/TT
Clear, frank, clear, knowledgeable, and caring for everyone.
But perhaps most importantly in an industry that focuses strongly on results – national team captain Henrikh Ancarkrona is the winner.
“It’s been going incredibly, really crazy,” he says.
He’s been navigating the competition area at Dane Herning since last weekend, often seen wearing a straw hat as protection from the strong August sun, with something strained in his eyes and a tense calm in his voice.
He softened the golden talk, but also noted:
– Riders want this gold so much.
and he?
Of course just as much.
The mask exploded and let the joy flow freely at midnight Jens Fredrickson As a third rider he brought another dimension to the Swedish equestrian sport. Last year’s Olympic gold medal was huge, and the superior water course win was even bigger.
Ankarcrona always highlights its riders, their horses, horse owners, people around the knights, other leaders… well, almost everyone has anything to do with the Jens brothers and Peter FredericksonAnd the Malin Baryard Johnson Henrik von Eckermann and Rolf-Goran Bengtsson Reserve.
Very good set built
A good leader celebrates with his employees, not himself. Others can do this. However, the truth is that no Confederate captain of the national showjumping team was close to the success of Ankarcrona.
I have built a very good group behind me and I feel very well supported. The association gave me space and supported me. I also know more how I want it. I don’t think I had time to really think about it when I started because it was a new role for me.
Ankarcrona took over from Sylvie Söderstrand in the fall of 2016.
Reasonably, the riders wondered who got a chief?
– So it was. This was something I didn’t really know, what it would be like when you switch from a colleague to a completely different role. From the start the riders were great. I told them that I know you, I trust you, and I understand that I must earn your trust.
– It is clear that our successes mean that there is peace and tranquility on the farm and the creation of mutual trust.
Are you getting the respect you deserve?
– Yes, isn’t it. I tried to be clear about that from the start, to set a good example and leave everyone space to do what they want, but you have to understand that you are part of something bigger. Personally, I think more and more words describe how I want to be.
From the outside, it looks like a group where you enjoy each other’s company, but few groups are free of conflict or controversy. Were there situations where you had to step in and show that you were the boss?
– It sure was. As always, trying to clear up misunderstandings. I don’t like conflict, I don’t sleep well after that. Others may have to answer for how I handle conflicts, but I want to get into them and deal with them head on. Of course, there were times when I had disagreements with the riders, but for me it is no problem to call me if they are angry.
Others are looking to Sweden
EC silver, WC silver, Olympic gold, and WC gold As a team in the past five years, other nations have to look at you and wonder how you’re doing?
– I would probably say that. We have great riders who are role models. Sweden has come a long way in the way we treat our horses and all of that. It is one of the success factors. In recent years, I’ve had questions from people I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.
– It gets a little surreal when they come and ask: “How are you really?” We who have always looked to others and tried to learn from them – which we will continue to do – are now a country that others care about.
How will you ensure that you maintain your position as a global leader?
– It goes a lot thinking about it. It has been pushed into the sport of vaulting to see 2030. It is important that we look forward, come together and talk about how we want it to be, says Ancarkrona and continues:
We must perform here and now, but also try to get more riders and horses into the competition. I see in some other countries the danger is that it is focused on a few. If you don’t get there, you can sell the horse as well. I think it’s a big risk. We’re doing more national competitions than ever so everyone can get out.
– But it is inevitable that we retreat, no country in the world can be on top all the time.
I can’t work without family
Do you have your dream job?
– lol. Yes, now I have my dream job. But that’s not something I aspire to. This wasn’t something I thought about before he asked me this question. I think it’s fun and I get a lot in return from everyone I interact with and there are new challenges all the time.
Ankarcrona has a contract on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
– I don’t know what will happen next. There is no upper limit on how long you can be a federation captain, but this ball is of course in the hands of the Equestrian Federation. I had a great time and am really passionate about the championship journey.
But everything has a price. The other side of the coin is that Henrik Ankarcrona often misses and misses his family.
– I have three children, the eldest daughter Caroline is 12 years old and starts competing a lot and I’ve never participated.
– It’s not always easy, but I have a wonderful wife and we try to support each other. If not for Ingrid and the family it would not have succeeded, nor without their support. I think everyone understands that it has to be there, but it’s never easy.