Tess Olofsson Makes History as First Female Judge in [Court/Region]

Swedish Soccer Referee Tess Olofsson Shatters Gender Barrier in Top Men’s League

Tess Olofsson, a 36-year-old Swedish soccer referee, is about to make history. She will join the elite refereeing team for Sweden’s top men’s league, becoming the first woman to hold a regular position in the league.

"Many thoughts were going through my head. Above all, joy and motivation to start the next season," Olofsson shared, reflecting on the exciting news.

This achievement comes after a remarkable year for Olofsson. She officiated several UEFA Champions League games and the Nations League final for the women’s teams. But the highlight was undoubtedly becoming the first Swedish woman to referee an international men’s championship match at the Summer Olympics in Paris. She also oversaw the thrilling women’s Olympic gold medal game between the U.S. and Brazil, a moment she describes as “very, very nice.”

"It’s completely unstable. Sometimes it can almost feel like you are living in a dream. I wonder if it’s really, everything you needed to know in the past year."

Olofsson’s journey to the top of Sweden’s refereeing world began at the age of 13 when she officiated her first game in Hovmantorp, Småland. It was a notorious challenge.

"I gave birth to boys-11 first and the year after boys-13, then I was only 14 years old. It was very difficult," she said. "You didn’t have much experience when you started."

Facing sexism and prejudice was just another obstacle in Olofsson’s path.

"Above all, at the youth level and lower level, there was a lot of prejudice and very little recognition that a girl mentioned. You have been told both one and the other during your career."

While she acknowledges that prejudice still exists, she believes it is lessening.

"It is much better, but it still happens," she confessed.

Olofsson hopes her groundbreaking role will encourage more women to pursue refereeing in the men’s game.

"I hope I can be an example to young girls who want to referee football," she said.

She emphasizes that the physical challenges are attainable. "Now more and more women are passing the men’s running tests, and then you’ve checked that box.

"Then it’s about getting to know each other. I think this might encourage more people to put in the work it takes to get all the way through. But patience is also required, it takes time to develop"

As for her much-deserved rest, Olofsson plans to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve with family and friends before diving back into training in January to prepare for the upcoming season.

While she relishes the break, she sill seeks to maintain her fitness.

"While recovery is important, it’s also important to maintain physical fitness," she says. "So, you know, just a little help here and there."

Spotlight on Tess Olofsson:

• Age: 36
• Hometown: Småland, Sweden
• Residence: Piteå, Sweden
• Refereeing Experience: Over 100 Swedish women’s league matches, 30+ Superettan (men’s), and several Allsvenskan games.
• International Experience: Champions League, UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, Nations League Final 2024, and numerous games during the Summer Olympics, including the men’s and women’s finals.

Olofsson’s journey is an inspiration, demonstrating that persistence and talent can overcome even deeply ingrained societal barriers. Her presence in the Swedish men’s top tier is not only a personal victory but a significant step forward for women in football worldwide.

2024-12-02 06:11:00
#Tess #Olofsson #breaks #ground #female #judges #Feels #completely #unstoppable
## breaking ​Barriers on the Pitch: an ⁢Interview with Tess Olofsson

**World‌ Today News:** Tess, congratulations on becoming ‌the‌ first ⁤woman to ⁤secure a‍ regular ‍refereeing position in Sweden’s⁤ top men’s soccer⁣ league. This is a truly historic achievement. How does it feel?

**Tess Olofsson:** Thank you! It’s⁤ an​ incredible honor. Honestly, ⁢when I first ‌heard the news, a whirlwind of emotions ⁣hit me. it was primarily joy and immense ⁢motivation to get started on this new chapter.

**WTN:** You have already accomplished so ‌much in your career,⁢ from officiating⁣ UEFA Champions League​ games‌ to ⁤the women’s Nations League final. What stands out‍ as the most memorable moment before this latest ‌milestone?

**TO:** Refereeing the international men’s championship match‍ at the Summer Olympics in Paris was⁤ definitely ⁢a highlight. It was a dream come true to officiate ‍at such a prestigious event on such a grand stage.

**WTN:**⁢ Your‍ journey to this point ⁣has undoubtedly been demanding. ⁤What were some of the biggest challenges you faced pursuing your passion for refereeing in a traditionally male-dominated field?

**TO:** [pause] There were definitely hurdles. early on, I faced some skepticism and ⁣negativity based solely on my gender. Provings myself capable⁢ and‍ earning ‍the respect of‍ players and colleagues took time and dedication.

**WTN:** How did‌ you overcome those initial challenges and establish yourself‌ as a respected referee?

**TO:** Perseverance was key. I focused on honing my ⁢skills, studying the ⁣game diligently, and always striving to make fair and accurate calls. I let my performance speak‌ for itself.

**WTN:** You’ve mentioned the importance of motivation. ​What drives you to continue pushing boundaries in the world of soccer refereeing?

**TO:** I’m driven by a deep passion ‌for the game and a desire to see more⁤ women represented in all aspects of soccer, not⁤ just on the field.

**WTN:** ​This appointment is ⁢a major step​ forward for ‍gender equality in‍ sports.

What message would you ‍like to send to young girls who aspire to follow in ⁣your footsteps?

**TO:** Never let anyone ‍tell you that your dreams are unattainable as of your gender. Believe ⁢in yourself, work hard, and never give up on your⁣ goals. Anything is absolutely possible if you set your mind to it.

**WTN:**⁣ what are your hopes for ​the ⁤future, both‌ personally and for the ‌wider movement ⁣towards greater inclusivity in soccer?

**TO:**⁣ Personally, I’m excited⁢ to take on this new challenge in Sweden’s top league and​ continue to ⁤grow as a referee.

On a larger scale, I hope my journey inspires more women to⁤ pursue careers in​ refereeing ⁢and other traditionally male-dominated fields within soccer. The game​ is for everyone,and it’s essential we create⁢ a more inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered to participate.

**WTN:** Thank you, ⁢Tess, for your time and inspiring words. We wish you all⁤ the best in this exciting new chapter.