Ski Racing CEO honored by journalist association

By Published On: February 22nd, 2017Comments Off on Ski Racing CEO honored by journalist association

ST. MORITZ, Switzerland – Longtime Ski Racing publisher Gary Black was honored this week by the Association of International Ski Journalists (AIJS) for his lifetime work on behalf of ski racing. AIJS President Gernot Mussner acknowledged Black for his passionate support of ski racing as the leading voice for the sport in America.

Gary Black for ISHAThe AIJS, more than a half century old, represents the principle journalists covering alpine ski racing. It was formed in 1961 by World Cup founder Serge Lang.

Black, who had a long history in major newspaper publishing, acquired Ski Racing in 1984. Since that time, he has shepherded the former print publication into the world’s leading media outlet focused on alpine ski racing.

“I am deeply honored to be a recipient of such an accolade from one of sport’s oldest and most demanding journalistic associations,” said Black, who was unable to attend the presentation in Switzerland.

Black attributes his early success with Ski Racing to the mentoring he had from other AIJS members, notably Serge Lang.

“Having come from a journalistic background myself – not sports – it only took a short time to recognize that if you wanted credibility, Ski Racing needed to be part of AIJS,” he reminisced. “I remember walking into the press room at Aspen and seeing Serge working away.

“Feeling a bit scared, I quietly approached his desk to ask a question I never thought I would – inquiring if Ski Racing could ever be a part of his organization. He looked at me with a slight nod and a long journey began.”

Black and his Ski Racing team have been fixtures at World Championships and Olympics starting with his first at Bormio, Italy, in 1985.

“Gary’s extensive background in journalism and passion for the sport of ski racing are evident in his commitment to ensuring that SkiRacing.com remains the go-to resource for this community. The knowledge he has passed on to his employees over decades is invaluable, and the pride he has instilled in writers over generations to tell the real story behind the sport is clear in all of the content Ski Racing produces,” said current publisher Claire Abbe Brown.

In addition to his current role as managing partner and chief executive officer of Ski Racing, he also has served for many years as a trustee of the U.S. Ski Team’s foundation.

“Recognition from your peers is one of the highest levels of acknowledgement,” said U.S. Ski Team Vice President, Communications Tom Kelly, who also chairs the FIS PR and Mass Media Committee. “Gary has been a real difference maker for the sport, both as publisher and in his role with the FIS PR Committee.”

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