ÖSV President Stadlober: “We need role models like Hirscher or Red Bull Salzburg”
For me, the title “Women’s Representative” never worked.
Did that bother you?
The term has never reflected the activity, it restricts. The word is out of date. We live in an open, modern society.
The issue of (power) abuse in sport was a major issue from 2017 onwards. Many have criticized the ÖSV for its handling of the #MeToo debate. Is the subject settled for you?
A lot has been done and worked through. Also from that is “Optimal Sports” (an initiative to prevent abuse and misconduct, note) emerged – the department that Petra Kronberger now heads. But there is more to it. If someone leaves the ÖSV, you also have to see how you can finish this section well. Our goal is that these people are still motivated, get involved in clubs and thus remain important multipliers for skiing.
Are you talking about a specific person?
No, that’s general. And that doesn’t just apply to women or the MeToo topic. The feedback discussions also affect trainers. The entire ÖSV. We met Nicola Werdenigg – virtually – of course. We said that well and openly. That was important to her too, I think. We have also offered to incorporate your suggestions into our concept if necessary.
That sounds forgiving. Although the subject was not about Werdenigg as a person, but about a toxic climate in sport. Did you reply to someone who said that the ÖSV was a macho club?
First, that a woman is now heading the club. Second, that I don’t live that as a person. Diversity is very important to me. We live in a society of values. A (sports) association should also live this way. In the 21st century it is more than necessary that we can communicate on an equal footing and that certain topics, words and gestures have no place. With our service contract, the values of the ÖSV are signed and must also be lived. We have adjusted the statutes and have a code of ethics. A lot has happened there. We are opening up, the employees notice that too, they are happy about the new transparency.