Q&A with FIS Council Member Patrick Smith

I believe that the Madrid conference will result in several changes to the WADA code that will simplify it, bring it into conformity with the reality of athletic training and competition as well as to generally improve how it is implemented.

Q. The next Olympic Winter Games will take place in Vancouver, Canada, in 2010. One of the associated initiatives is the Own the Podium 2010 program that sees special potential for Canada to medal especially in Snowboard and Freestyle Skiing. Your thoughts?

A. The 2010 preparations are proceeding much ahead of schedule so we can expect to see all venues completed very early to allow for training and competition far in advance of the OWG. The Own the Podium initiative is very successful in raising funding that will assist the Canadian athletes in reaching the podium. In fact, as was demonstrated by the results of our teams this last season, we are already experiencing positive results. For example, the Canadian Alpine Team set an all time record for podiums even breaking the record of the Crazy Canucks.

Q. Quite unlike most of Europe, it has been a great winter especially in Western Canada in terms of snow. What do you think these types of seasons mean to children and what could FIS be doing more to ensure that children and the youth stay interested in our sports?

A. The winter in Canada and especially out West was spectacular with excellent snow conditions. Unfortunately, Europe did not have the same experience with the result that numerous races were cancelled. The impact that this will have on children cannot be understated since I believe that if they once forced to sit out an entire season they are tempted to gravitate to other sports with the result that an entire generation of children may be lost. This can and will have a devastating effect on the sport in general and will naturally affect FIS. If this pattern continues FIS – as well as the entire ski industry – will need to rethink where events are held to endure that they can be carried out.