No surprises in the world of biathlon. Called for the second time in its short history – only 25 years – to choose a new president, the IBU placed its trust in sure values. Meeting last weekend in Porec, Croatia, the congress of the international organization elected the more established of the two candidates. He opted for conservatism.
At the end of the vote, organized on Friday September 7, the Swede Olle Dahlin, vice-president of the IBU for 4 years, in charge of development, inherited the keys to the presidential office. He obtained 39 votes, compared to only 12 for his rival, the former Latvian Minister of Justice, Baiba Broka. A wide success, a form of plebiscite.
By choosing Olle Dahlin, also president of the Swedish Biathlon Federation, the IBU played it safe. She trusted theestablishment. But the most difficult thing awaits: recovering as quickly as possible from the Anders Besseberg scandal, its historic president, forced to resign after suspicions of corruption linked to doping in Russia.
Without much surprise, the Swede promises better days. “The basis of my work will consist of putting in place solid structures, a precise organizational chart, and of course strengthening our means to fight even more effectively against doping,” he summarized shortly after his election. Olle Dahlin says she wants to open a new page.
Not easy. The Swedish leader is already at the heart of a controversy. He is suspected of having bought the votes of certain small federations, as revealed in the NRK. The Norwegian channel would have received anonymous emails suggesting an attempt at corruption. Not the best start for a president who also swears to himself that he has distanced himself from Anders Besseberg, of whom he has long been close.
Elected for a 4-year term, Olle Dahlin will not have time to enjoy the comfort of his office at the IBU headquarters, located in Salzburg. The files are waiting for him. Hurry up.
At the top of the pile is the case of Russia. The IBU congress voted to maintain the suspension of Russia. Its athletes can participate in international competitions, but its leaders remain at the door of the organization. The Russian Biathlon Federation remains confined to the role of provisional member.
Olle Dahlin will also have to tackle the issue of Olympic quotas. The IOC cut around twenty for the Beijing 2020 Games. A severe cut. A working group was formed within the IBU to work on a new qualification formula for the Olympic events.
Finally, the new president will have to renew dialogue with the IOC and convince it to lift the suspension of its subsidy, decided last July after the revelations of the Anders Besseberg scandal. A priori, not the most complex file. In Porec, the congress adopted the principle of a new code of ethics. It has also made the decision to completely review its statutes and regulations between now and the next congress, scheduled for 2020.
Furthermore, the IBU proceeded with the election of its new executive committee: it is dominated by the Czech Jiri Hamza, elected for 4 years as vice-president, and the Austrian Klaus Leistner, maintained in his role as finance manager. The other members are: Max Cobb (United States), Tore Boygard (Norway), Dagmara Gerasimuk (Poland), Franz Steinle (Germany), Ivor Lehotan (Slovakia), James Carrabre (Canada).
