Gian-Franco Kasper has never been short of witticisms. The Swiss leader, historic member of the IOC and president of the International Ski Federation (FIS), rarely refrains from sharing his thoughts. Including on the most debated current topics, where the Olympic organization prefers to see its members walled in silence and neutrality. Example: the race to win the Summer Games in 2024.

Seven months before the election, voters are careful not to express in public the slightest decided opinion on the chances of some or the weaknesses of others. Gian-Franco Kapser expresses himself without restraint. He did not hesitate to comment on the influence that Donald Trump's victory in the American presidential elections, and even more so his first decisions as tenant of the White House, could have on the Los Angeles candidacy.

“I don’t think it will have a direct influence,” suggested the Swiss, whose comments were quoted by the Australian press agency AAP. The vote will not take place before September. Between now and then, a lot can happen. »

Gian-Franco Kasper continues: “We have three good applications. I believe we are going to see a very close race between Paris and Los Angeles. »

For the president of the FIS, the political factor should not interfere in the battle between the three candidate cities. He is not afraid to go against preconceived ideas. He happily ignores the opinions relayed for several weeks by the international press.

Politics will not influence the members of the IOC, argues Gian-Franco Kasper. He insists: “I don’t let myself be influenced by Mr. Trump. For me, the battle is over the concept (of the Games), and what the organizers are proposing. »

Is the Swiss leader expressing out loud what the majority of IOC members are thinking? Likely. Joining the IOC during the Sydney session in 2000, Gian-Franco Kasper is one of the most recognized members of the Olympic organization. His mandate was unanimously extended during the Kuala Lumpur session in July and August 2015, even though he was over the age limit (he admits to being 73 years old).

Behind the scenes, many in the Olympic movement suggest that political data has become too uncertain to constitute a criterion of choice at the time of voting. “Who can predict what will happen next year? So in 2024…” confides a connoisseur of the sector.

The battle would be fought elsewhere. The quality of the file, specifies Gian-Franco Kasper. And, undoubtedly even more, the offer of the organizers. In the broadest sense of the term.