Roswitha Stadlober will represent the ski association until further notice. A permanent solution, or will there be new elections?
Karl Schmidhofer had actually asked for a personal 100-day balance. Actually, the new ÖSV president on Bergisel above Innsbruck wanted to review his first weeks in office. Actually, on Thursday he intended to present his plans and perspectives for the coming years.
Actually . . .
Karl Schmidhofer retires as ÖSV President
But then the man, who had succeeded long-term boss Peter Schröcksnadel with great ambitions, announced his resignation after 100 days. A hard stroke of fate in close family circles prompted Schmidhofer to take this step.
The Styrian’s 35-year-old son suffered a stroke five weeks ago, “As a father of a family, I am responsible and worried. I will now subordinate everything to the family. This step is necessary and has no alternative, ”said Schmidhofer. “Help is most needed at this difficult time. I ask you to respect that. “
Interim solution Stadlober
The ÖSV leadership was informed of his withdrawal by Karl Schmidhofer a few hours before the press conference. For the time being, Roswitha Stadlober, the longest-serving ÖSV vice-president, will represent the association and chair the presidium on an interim basis. The former world-class slalom runner, who is married to cross-country world champion Alois Stadlober, has long been a member of the executive committee of the ÖSV and enjoys an excellent reputation.
The nine state presidents will discuss how to proceed next week. ÖSV General Secretary Christian Scherer outlines the possible scenarios. “De facto there are two options: Either the interim representation will be confirmed until the next country conference.” Then Roswitha Stadlober would represent the ÖSV until June 2022. “Or there are early elections,” explains Scherer.
After the bad experiences in spring, when the ÖSV did not give a good picture in the search for a successor for Peter Schröcksnadel, the Secretary General is now hoping for a professional settlement. “It wasn't exactly advertising. We know what we should no longer do and what does not do justice to the association's image. Everyone has learned something new, ”says Scherer.
The Tyrolean has had a turbulent first year as Secretary General. First the Covid crisis, then the antics about the end of the Peter Schröcksnadel era, now the renewed search for a president. “We are fully operational,” assures Scherer. “But a ship needs a captain.”
