Austrian Ski Fed' Restructures

People

02/May/2019

After the farewell of long-term sports director Hans Pum at the end of July this year, there are further personnel changes in the ÖSV competitive sport division. The successor to Pum will be Toni Giger, who will be responsible for the Olympic disciplines in the field of sports and technology in addition to the area of service and technology. There are also new appointments in the alpine area.

Christian Mitter becomes the new sports director for women's alpine. The former Norwegian men's boss replaces Jürgen Kriechbaum, who is now responsible for the promotion of Austrian Skiing Club talent. In addition, there is a new function (organization and structure alpine), for which the long-time US alpine director Patrick Riml.

Photo: ÖSV / Erich SpiessPatrick Riml (organization and structure alpine), Toni Giger (head of ÖSV competitive sports) and Christian Mitter (sports director alpine ladies) want to further strengthen Austria's position as the number one ski nation.

Peter Schröcksnadel (ÖSV President):"Shortly before Are, I publicly announced that I think for the Ski Association to find a suitable successor structure and a suitable successor. The ÖSV is a very large association with 450 athletes, 250 coaches and carers. Overall, we have about 800 employees in competitive and top-level sport. To lead such a union is a very big responsibility and not a simple matter. But my task will also be to shape the structure in the ÖSV in such a way that the very great sporting and economic success will continue to be secured. These restructuring measures take place in the sporting as well as the administrative sector. A forward-looking step was taken today and especially in the alpine area, it has also managed to commit the world's best coach for the ÖSV. "

Toni Giger (Head of ÖSV competitive sport):"The time under Hans Pum was very successful. It's a big challenge for me to be able to follow in these footsteps. In recent years, we have built up the racing service and technology area, which I will partly continue. That's why I need support especially in the organizational field. We have decided to introduce a new function in the structure. This will be completed by Patrick Riml. It is about the organization and structure of the alpine ski race. This has a special position within the ÖSV insofar as it does not have its own sports facilities, unlike other divisions. That's why alpine training is a special challenge in terms of training times, slope conditions and safety. Above all, Patrick is responsible for optimizing all of these framework conditions and will therefore also support the sports leaders. He is a man of great experience who has made incredible achievements with the American ski team over the past few decades. That's why his advisory role will be very valuable to us, from the athletic ladder to the junior team - for analyzes, team structures, trainer appointments and operational planning. "

Patrick Riml (Organization and Structure Alpin):"I am very grateful for the confidence of the President and Toni Giger that I can take on such a task in the Austrian Ski Association. This is the best bandage in the world. After 20 years in North America I am very happy to be back in Austria. The task area is very specifically defined. It's all about optimizing training and competition preparations. However, it also requires support from the sports leaders - as far as the analysis area, the cadre positions, etc. are concerned. It is also important to have a perfect setup worldwide for training venues in order to be able to get the maximum out of the game at all times. Another point is to help coaches - be it in the women's or men's area - to be able to develop further.

Christian Mitter (Sporting Director Alpine Skiing Ladies): "We have only been in conversation for almost a week. The decision has fallen relatively quickly. It is an honor and a great job that I absolutely wanted to accept. Now it's about getting a quick overview. I have already started. There is a high density there, with a lot of podium riders and also behind it is great potential. "

Patrick Riml (Tyrol):