Großgmain (RWH) Representatives of the bobsleigh and skeleton tracks worldwide met online with the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation IBSF on June 23 to exchange plans and thoughts on the pre-Olympic winter 2020/2021.
More than 50 participants were present, among them IBSF Secretary General Heike Größwang, the responsible persons of 17 tracks from twelve nations, the IBSF delegates for the bobsleigh and skeleton sports as well as the coordinators of the different race series.
At the beginning, Stefan Krause from the IBSF media and marketing partner Infront gave a short insight into the extensive media data of last winter. The analysis of almost 1000 hours of live broadcast brought to light one or two treasures of data. For example, 13 million viewers in China watched the first podium finish of a Chinese skeleton athlete in the BMW IBSF World Cup: In January, Wenqiang Geng finished third in La Plagne (FRA). In general, the interest of the upcoming Olympic hosts of Beijing 2022 in the IBSF sports has risen dramatically: from almost 10 million spectators in 2018 to well over 100 million in the last two winters.
When looking ahead to the 2020/2021 season, the focus was on the coronavirus pandemic. The two International Federations FIL and IBSF closely coordinate and plan the upcoming season by playing through various scenarios. A joint working group is currently developing a safety and hygiene concept.
"Of course we hope that the season can be carried out as planned. Our focus is on ensuring the health and well-being of all involved. But our athletes also need a platform for their sporting achievements" said Secretary General Größwang. "We are in constant communication with the other winter sports federations, the IOC and the WHO, so that we can include all current developments in our planning. I am confident that we will find creative solutions in the good cooperation with our track managers". ©RWH2020
