ÖSV senses manipulation: dispute over Olympic quota

Argentina, Mexico and Jamaica – nations that are not exactly known for their success stories in skiing. But just a few days before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, these exotic animals are coming into focus. With regard to the quota places available for the major event, the Austrian Ski Association sees itself at a disadvantage and simply accuses the smaller nations of manipulation.

If you look at the current quota list, only one nation, Switzerland, can take full advantage (22 starters). While Austria can still come to terms with 19 starters, the choice of the Italian association is much more difficult. With the new gender quota, the Azzurri are only allowed to send 7 athletes into the men's race. The reason for this enormous reduction is the low requirements for smaller nations. And that’s where the ÖSV wants to start. The qualification system is exploding Since the latest changes, 160 FIS points mark the minimum requirement for a nation to be able to compete in the technical disciplines (slalom and giant slalom). “To do this you have to be around 4.000th in the FIS rankings,” explained ÖSV sports director Toni Giger. A real scandal if the Austrian has his way. The ÖSV fears for its quota places. © APA / GEORG HOCHMUTH

These changes would have motivated the smaller nations in particular to qualify for the games in Beijing - and to exploit any loopholes in the FIS regulations. Accordingly, races were also held in Dubai to enable runners to overcome the low hurdle. Liechtenstein even invited people to the so-called Exotic Nations Cup, a tournament consisting of four giant slaloms. In a race in January only ten athletes took part. Such strange encounters between exotic skiers had far-reaching effects. compromise or cancellation Within just three months and three such events, nine men from exotic nations were able to qualify for the Olympic Games, knocking any medal candidates from the established associations out of the Olympic draw. “Normally we don’t pay much attention to such races, but when it happens that a few of the best have to stay at home because the base quotas are being used more and more, that is a serious issue,” continued Giger. “Normally we don’t pay much attention to such races, but when it happens, it’s a serious issue.” Anton Giger The matter has been on the table at the FIS since Tuesday. If the large nations are given the opportunity to use unused quota places from other FIS disciplines (e.g. ski cross) in return, they would be willing to accept the compromise. Otherwise, the cancellation of questionable races is demanded. Of course, it still remains to be seen what the international association's decision will be. There will be a first rapprochement between the parties on Monday.

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ÖSV senses manipulation: dispute over Olympic quota

The countdown to the Olympic Games is on. But despite the major event approaching, things are simmering in the Alpine skiing circus. The reason is simple yet complex. The established nations see their quota places in danger shortly before the trip to Beijing - and are now attacking.

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