A world championship every two years and the Olympics every four years are obviously not enough for the world ski association FIS. A new competition format is to be added. Can this be a success?
The World Ski Federation apparently sticks to plans for the so-called “FIS Games” Celebration. The controversial FIS President Johan Eliasch and Secretary General Michel Vion recently banged the drum for the major winter sports event, which could take place every four years from 2024.
“We want to create a completely new, spectacular event for all ski disciplines under the umbrella of the FIS”, Vion explained to the Swiss internet portal skiactu.ch. Swede Eliasch said on Swedish TV station SVT: “We’re 50 percent involved in the Olympics. That shows how big we are. And I would say we have the best part of the Olympics.” This would justify separate FIS games.
Eliash: “More attention”
Eliasch emphasized that he wanted to participate in the FIS Games in addition to the wide-ranging sports such as ski jumping or alpine skiing “Disciplines like free style or snowboarding more attention” give a gift. The idea for the new format has been haunting the world association for about a year. So far, however, there has been no clear decision for or against the new title fights.
First Games 2024 and in Switzerland?
the Games are to take place every four years and when there are no Olympic Games or World Championships on the calendar. The premiere could therefore rise in 2024, with Switzerland being the first host.
DSV Managing Director Schwarzbach: “Unnecessary”
However, the proposal from the FIS leadership is not only met with enthusiasm. “I don’t think it’s necessary”said Stefan Schwarzbach, Managing Director of the German Ski Association, in September at the “Forum Nordicum”. “So far I’ve found it good that there’s a year in between when you can press the reset button.”
And Stefan Krauß, Vice-President of the sports rights marketer Infront, also takes a critical look at the FIS plans: “I believe that our products are not strong enough to be littered with highlights every year. We should be sensitive. Because how many additional events can an association tolerate without losing its value”said the former alpine skier also at the “Forum Nordicum”.
Biathlon shouldn’t be there
One thing also seems clear: biathlon is among the “FIS Games“Not planned. Biathlon is also a Nordic ski sport, but has its own world association and annual world championships. However, interest does not seem to be particularly great. At least not among Swedish biathletes. Sprint world champion Martin Ponsiluoma said on Swedish TV the “FIS Games“-Plans: “It feels like they’re dying out as we grow.”