On 31 March 2022, Lise Klaveness took the podium during the FIFA Congress in Qatar. The words that shook the congregation have been echoed across much of the world. Loved by many, challenged by some.
How one finds the courage to stand up and tell such a seated congregation that change is required is hard to imagine. How you, as someone completely new to the job, go so far as to challenge the established. What it takes to stand up for what you believe in, when the easiest thing would be to join the ranks.
The sporting world has long had a culture that from the outside looks reasonably rotten. The IOC, FIFA, UEFA, to name a few, are all organizations that have been challenged for their values and achievements in recent years. In Norway, there has been noise around the NFF, NIF and a number of others. They have at times been pilloried in the press, and several have had to take their hats and leave.
Few, myself included, would choose to be as clear as Klavenes. Standing with a strong and clear voice and delivering a message that is so important, without flinching, without hesitation, must have cost something colossal. The time before she took the podium, the first words, the long walk back through the assembly. It's almost like I can feel it in my stomach just thinking about it.
So the question is; must we all be Lise Klaveness? Must we all be so strong, clear and courageous in all the assemblies we are in, where we think something is wrong? Do we always have to stand up when we see injustice? Of course, the best answer here would be yes. But I don't necessarily think we will get there. Does that mean we should therefore refrain? No, absolutely not. We will choose our battles, but we can all choose a few more. Be a little tougher, a little clearer, a little more broad-minded. Dare to choose the uncomfortable over the safe when we feel that it tears at our values.
Maybe it's the Klaveness we've been waiting for. Because we all need a guiding star. Someone who dares to go ahead. Then it is easier to follow.