The last days of Elina Laine, the responsibility manager for the Olympic Committee, have been difficult.
The turmoil surrounding harassment and harassment around the Olympic Committee naturally also affects the internal atmosphere in the workplace.
– It feels really sad and difficult when there are crises strongly related to one’s own plot, Head of Accountability Elina Laine says Iltalehti.
– It’s not very easy to talk about this at all. The days have been heavy.
Laine has worked for years at the Olympic Committee, trying to correct the false structures found within the sport and to support the position of the weaker.
– After training on harassment, inappropriate behavior or bullying occasions, time and time again I have raised the need to talk. The world will not change if grievances are not brought out, Laine continues.
“It hurts”
In the Olympic Committee, they burst to the surface with a small delay. Apparently To Mika Lehtimäki the extension contract trained in early March was ultimately the stem that cut off the camel’s back.
After that, he could no longer be quiet.
– I have a really strong appreciation and respect for the people who have experienced harassment who have raised the matter. Just such an exemplary feeling towards them, Laine admits.
– It is not an option to sweep these under the carpet. It’s important to talk about things, even if it hurts.
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Elina Laine has done important work on the issues of responsibility in sport. THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
Laine hopes the best possible care will be taken of the victims in this case.
– I know that there have been more extensive support processes here. On behalf of myself and my close colleagues, I can say that we have a united staff. Our value base represents a completely different perspective and operating culture than has been presented here.
The culture of silence
Mika Lehtimäki received a warning for harassment. Only when the case went public did he get a job. Jussi Eskola
Laine does not want to take a position on the actions and responsibilities of the Olympic Committee’s management or its board. It is clear that even though the uproar is heavy, he does not want to throw the responsibility projects he has launched in the trash.
On the contrary. Right now, responsibility work is even more valuable.
– I believe and hope that the issue raised so strongly will also bring good. Now is really the time to change the sports culture.
– We now have a good time to talk about the services that are already on offer. What we all need to do about these things.
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After the uproar, Laine and her colleagues return to the Olympic Committee’s responsibility work, although right now it may seem like a grotesque mess. However, there is an ongoing process that is gradually changing the world as a whole and within the Olympic Committee.
– The responsibility program has been in force for two years now. The intention would be to carry out a “mid-term review”. Of course, these are always places to learn. There is a reflection on what we need to improve and how to deal with these issues, Laine is also doing her own thing.
– This must be handled carefully with the staff so that no one is left with anything on their mind. Let’s take those lessons learned and be encouraged to talk. To continue to raise issues.
The disturbance, which at least got rid of Mika Lehtimäki, is certainly not the last case of abuse of power in Finnish sports. Of course, within the Olympic Committee, it is hoped that it will act as a watershed.
However, there are no guarantees about that either.
– We have been talking for many years about harassment, which is still a lot in sports communities. This work needs to be continued, Laine sighs.
– Of course it happens in every different aspect of life. However, there is such a culture of silence in sports culture, and there have been constant attempts to break it. This may be one indication that we are moving forward with the smallest steps.