Q&A with FIS Athletes’ Commission reps Lindell-Vikarby, Janyk

By Published On: July 17th, 2015Comments Off on Q&A with FIS Athletes’ Commission reps Lindell-Vikarby, Janyk

FIS Newsflash recently talked with the alpine representatives on the FIS Athletes’ Commission: Jessica Lindell-Vikarby and Mike Janyk. Both have been representatives (elected by their fellow athletes) since 2013 and were named Chair and Vice Chair during the Commission’s last meeting in Varna, Bulgaria, in early June.

Jessica, you just announced your plans to retire from alpine skiing. What influenced your decision?

Jessica Lindell-Vikarby: I’ve been thinking for a while and I feel it’s good timing now after my best two seasons: Five podiums and a second place in the World Cup giant slalom in 2013-14 crowned with bronze at the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Vail-Beaver Creek. It’s been a fantastic journey with ups and downs. I’m proud of my achievements and I’ve reached my goals. In addition, my body will be glad to rest and heal for a bit. I’m looking forward to new things and challenges in life! Naturally, I will remain on the FIS Athletes’ Commission.

You were elected Chair and Vice Chair at your recent meeting in Varna. What is your mission for the next two years?

JLV: It’s an exciting task and the new group is motivated to continue making relations even stronger with the decision-making bodies within each discipline. We want to be the bridge between the athletes and FIS and make them both understand each other better. Furthermore, I want the group to strengthen the collaboration within the group so we can use the knowledge and experience from one sport to another. We have an observer position on the FIS Council where we can learn even more about how decisions are made and we can voice the interests of the athletes at the highest level. It will be my job to sit in the FIS Council meetings and report on behalf of the athletes.

Mike Janyk: After two years on the Athletes’ Commission, I put my name forward for re-election this season because I finally understood the process. It was not so much about changing things but to be in a better position to represent the athletes within the respective Committees. It is my task to sit in the main FIS Alpine Committees and be the athletes’ voice there. Within the Commission, I would like to establish a foundation over the next two years to establish a solid infrastructure which allows future Commissions to add on to what we have started to continuously empower the athletes’ voice and represent it within FIS.

What have you learned over the past two years on the Commission?

MJ: I have most of all learned that it’s a process! I have also learned that there are many good people doing great work who put a lot of time and energy into the sport. We may not always agree on the decisions and outcomes but I’ve learned that the processes and the hearts of the people are in the right place. My job in the Athletes’ Commission is to help them align with our vision and hopefully come through together.

Jessica, within the Commission, one of your main tasks is dual career. Having retired yourself, how important do you perceive this topic and what are your career plans for the future?

JLV: I feel it’s an important question because as an athlete you are so into your sport and maybe don’t think about life after your career. When you decide to stop as an athlete it’s good that you have a program that can guide and help you in your transition to a new career such as the IOC Athlete Career Programme. It’s good to know where you can find the help you need and also understand how much you’ve learned and can benefit from sport. I will take some time off during summer and then set up new goals and challenges to achieve success in both, my private and working life!

Release courtesy of FIS

Share This Article

About the Author: SR Staff Report