Initiator Urs Lehmann and the Olympic dream: “We hold all the cards”

The IOC screwed you and us. The door to candidacy was opened wide and then brutally closed again. Do you still trust the promises of the IOC? Does the IOC really want to make spelling simpler?
I can only answer this question after we have had the following discussions with the IOC. We will meet in the first quarter of the new year to clarify the four outstanding points. We will know more after these conversations.

How do you actually negotiate with the white old men of the IOC? Directly with President Thomas Bach or with his front room?
Federal councilor Viola Amherd was in contact with Thomas Bach. We spoke with Secretary General Christophe De Kepper and Jacqueline Barrett, Director of the Future Olympic Games.

The fact that France had suddenly registered for the games was not good news. Macron may not control his country, but he does have power when it comes to the Olympics.
It is known that President Macron has spoken with Thomas Bach several times. And above all: he can offer the IOC a state guarantee. The Swiss file largely finances the games privately through sponsorship.

But that also means: France is closer.
We have some catching up to do. At the federal level. At the level of the National Olympic Committee. We must strengthen the political bond with Lausanne at all levels, including the political.

No sign of home field advantage? The International Olympic Committee has had its headquarters in Switzerland since 1915.
I think the home advantage helps us a bit. The IOC did not want to leave us empty-handed as “host country”. That is why we now at least have the promise of a Privileged Dialogue and good prospects for 2038.

You must meet four requirements. Can you arrange that?
The IOC demands adjustments to the locations. For example, two ice hockey rinks instead of three, shorter distances for the Scandinavian countries. This can be done. Then you want to understand our financing model in more depth and detail. Can we get the 250 million in sponsorship income? Can we provide the 200 million guarantee, which must be secured by the private sector?

All that remains is ‘public support’. How do you plan to document popular support? A referendum is not necessary and would not be recommended based on experience.
In the weeks before the IOC decision, all representative surveys showed: The Swiss are ready for the Olympic Games in our country. Now we have a setback. We must succeed in rekindling the fire.

Straighten the crown and move on?
No. Pause, calmly analyze the situation and discuss it with Swiss Olympic and the IOC. Swiss Olympic will then have to decide whether Switzerland should continue the Olympic dossier for 2038. Of course I really hope so, Switzerland has all the assets!

2038 – do the math: many of those who compete for the Olympic Games today and need to raise the necessary millions will no longer be active in their professional lives in 2038.
A delicate point, a very difficult task. The Olympic project thus becomes a project for two generations.

Has everything been cleared up in Switzerland? Can St. Moritz and Wengen live with the presentation of the Alpine medals in Crans-Montana?
Crans-Montana will host the World Ski Championships in 2027. It is logical that we would also hold the Olympic races in Valais on the World Cup-tested infrastructure. The local OR is also said to have World Cup experience. Graubünden is not to be missed: freestyle, bobsleigh, biathlon.

You are president of Swiss-Ski, lead Similasan as CEO in difficult times, are committed to the Olympic Games and have a wife and child. How do you achieve that?
24/7! I have a super intensive time and am on duty every weekend. That’s okay, but of course not forever. Sooner or later I have to optimize the situation.

Let’s talk about Swiss Ski. The people expect an unbeatable Odi and winning the Nations Cup.
Expectations are high, we realize that. It is all the more important that we all stay focused and not get confused. We are surfing on a wave of success. We know you can fall there too. But then we have to be ready and get back on the board as quickly as possible.

Your impression of Marco Odermatt: Can he handle the hype?
I’m always amazed at how he handles it. He handles it confidently, almost playfully. This cannot be overestimated.

I’m impressed with how Lara Gut-Behrami is skiing right now. You too?
Lara has developed further and impresses with her maturity, calmness and sovereignty. We have known for 15 years that she is an excellent skier. But now, thanks to a good entourage, she is in a different class again.

We can’t end this conversation without saying a word about the World Cup downhills in Zermatt.
Eight races, eight cancellations. We have to ask ourselves: can we do this again? Can this be financed despite the cancellations? On the other hand: Zermatt is not alone with cancellations. Other destinations such as Sölden and even Beaver Creek also had to capitulate. At the time of our conversation, Marco Odermatt had completed exactly three training runs and completed less than a meter of rated racing.

Money is not the problem at Swiss-Ski.
No. Under normal circumstances, our structures and finances should be stable in the coming years. We can rely on loyal partners and sponsors and have been able to enter into long-term commitments with them.

And the next generation of drivers is also ready?
For the men, yes. Last winter we won more in the European Cup than ever before. Women need a little more patience. But here too we have some great talents in the team.