Journalist Olof Lundh, known for his investigative football reporting, has been named Lund's person of the year by the Grandiosa Society. The award was presented at the society's annual meeting at the Grand Hotel in Lund on Monday evening. Lundh, who refused to leave the city as a teenager, is praised as a faithful ambassador for Lund.
The Grandiosa Society in Lund has awarded the title of Lund's Person of the Year for 26 years at the Grand Hotel to individuals who have made significant contributions to the city or the hotel. This year, the honor goes to Olof Lundh, a prominent football journalist born and raised in Lund. Society chairman Johan Stenström commented on the choice: "That his name is Lundh makes it all the more punchy".
Lundh, whose father and grandfather were doctors and great-grandfather ran Konditori Lundh near the Grand Hotel, did not move with his family to Helsingborg at age 14. His parents had signed a contract ensuring he would not have to relocate against his will, and he lived as a lodger with a neighbor family until graduating high school. After that, he studied at Lund University and was active in the city's nightlife, running bars and clubs.
At age 28, Lundh moved to Stockholm to study journalism, and he has remained there since. Despite this, he emphasizes the city's importance: "I can't remove the imprint that Lund has put on me in so many ways. Lund has been very important to me." He is pleased but humble about the award: "I'm glad, proud, and at the same time a bit humble. There are surely many who could have received the prize."
Lundh has recently returned more to Lund, with children studying there, and looks forward to the Carnival in the spring. Board member Ebba Löwenhielm Peetre described him as a person with "incredible drive" who has put Lund on the map. The award underscores his role as an ambassador, though he does not plan a permanent return just now: "One should never say never, but right now it doesn't feel that way."
