The International Ski and Snowboard Federation Congress opens Wednesday in Belgrade. All eyes are already on Thursday, when FIS members will elect a new president. Johan Eliasch, elected in 2021, is seeking a second term. However, his campaign is not under the best circumstances, as he has not received the support of either of his two countries of citizenship, Great Britain and Sweden. This has led him to seek closer ties with Georgia, where he obtained a passport and the necessary support to run again. But can he withstand four opponents?
Two women for a major premiere
FIS members will have a choice between five projects and five visions, which is already a very good thing for democracy and the exchange of ideas. Two women are among them, marking a first: the FIS has never been led by a woman. British national Victoria Gosling, the youngest of all the candidates (54 years old), boasts an impressive CV. She worked for many years in the Royal Air Force before turning to sport, holding senior positions within the British Olympic Association and the national federation for snow sports (GB Snowsport).
In his view, the foundations of a united and effective international federation are: Greater transparency in how financial resources are generated and allocated. Clearer communication before important decisions are made. The assurance that each federation's voice is respected. "It plans an independent audit of finances and governance in the first year. It believes the FIS must evolve with urban events, mixed team competitions, and openness to new disciplines. It wants to go further in concussion prevention, strengthen athlete representation in governance, increase prize money, and optimize the calendar to reduce its environmental footprint."
A member of the FIS Council since 2024 and president of the Danish Ski Federation for ten years, Anna Harboe Falkenberg (59) is also in the running. Her application document offers a glimpse into her vision: The more we work as a team, respecting each other's differences and opinions, the better we can advance our sport. I see the FIS family as the team behind the team, putting our athletes first and working tirelessly to provide them with the best possible foundation to achieve their goals. The athletes' goals, at all levels, are our goals. "She cites the importance of empowerment, collaboration, clear communication, rigorous financial control and unwavering integrity to achieve this."
Athletes: a unanimous priority
Dexter Paine (65) could also make history by becoming the first non-European president of the FIS. In his application document, the American explains that he is convinced the FIS can be " stronger, more inclusive and more effective in serving its members and athletes He highlights his extensive experience as president of the United States Ski and Snowboard Federation, a member of the FIS Council and vice-president, and founder of Paine Schwartz Partners, an agribusiness company. His priorities include placing athletes at the heart of all major decisions, giving national federations a greater voice, ensuring transparent governance for increased trust, strengthening the FIS's financial foundation, and modernizing its business approach. He promises that, if elected, he will serve only one four-year term.
The final challenger is Alexander Ospelt (58 years old), a member of the FIS council since 2024 and former vice-president of the European Federation (2021-2024). He is presenting his candidacy " To build bridges: with small and large associations, with athletes, industry, sponsors, the media, and fans. The FIS, as I envision it, is open and transparent. I come from a small skiing nation and I act independently of the agendas of the larger federations or the alliances in place to promote particular interests. Only a united FIS can remain a credible representative of the interests of our sports. »
Like his rivals, he pledges to give more weight to the athletes' voices, mentioning improvements in safety and better support for their career transition. He also warns that the FIS must modernize its commercial approach, be a model of sustainability, and be " open to change "To remain a benchmark." Opening up to new sports and disciplines is just as important as continuing to develop what already exists, in order to offer attractive competition formats for athletes, fans and the media. “, he slips.
