Ruth Metzler-Arnold, the new President of Swiss Olympic, talks about her feelings after the election, the clear result and what she wants to tackle as a priority.
Ruth Metzler-Arnold, November 22 has long been marked on your agenda, and now you have won the election. How did you feel when you heard the result?
"I feel very good. I am very happy and also very satisfied and grateful that so many federations have placed their trust in me and will support me as President of Swiss Olympic for the next few years."
It was - with 329:162 votes - a clear verdict in your favor. Your person and your program were clearly better received by the federations. What tipped the scales?
"Probably what I bring to the table. On the one hand, my political past, but above all my management experience at a strategic level in the economy, in large and small companies and organizations. I also bring international experience to the table - I stand for all of that."
What is your approach, what will be your priority from January 1?
"One thing that is on the table is the whole financing story. What will happen with the Gaillard expert report (on the federal government's review of tasks and subsidies - editor's note), what will the Federal Council put forward for consultation? I want to understand what the previous Swiss Olympic President and Director have already done in this matter and what the next important steps are."
At federal level, it looks more like a cost-cutting exercise. How do you intend to ensure that sport is spared as much as possible?
"That's the big challenge when you look at the whole political landscape. But that's precisely why I'm convinced that a political profile is needed at the top of Swiss Olympic. My experience as a government councillor and federal councillor is helpful, but also as President of Switzerland Global Enterprise (Switzerland's official export promotion organization - ed.), where we have a performance agreement with the federal government and where we also have to constantly secure our funding. I know all these processes very well. It's a huge advantage that I can negotiate with the key people on an equal footing."
What are other important points for your first four of perhaps eight years as President of Swiss Olympic?
"These are ongoing major projects such as the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, but also the European Championships. I also want to get to know my colleagues on the Executive Board as quickly as possible, whether they are re-elected or newly elected. I want to have a strong team together as quickly as possible. So that we can tackle all the upcoming challenges together."
What are your personal priorities in sport?
"I see myself as quite polysporty. I like running, Nordic walking, skiing and playing golf. During my vacations, I occasionally go horse riding or scuba diving. I've also been high up in the Alps. That's what makes me who I am, although I realize that many people didn't even know that about me."
SDA
