Croatian Ski Star Receives Highest Fair Play Award
Filip Zubcic himself reported a gate violation that was overlooked by officials. The 33-year-old is now receiving an award for his "exceptional fair play achievements."
For several years, Filip Zubcic has been battling for podium finishes in the Alpine Ski World Cup. Now, the 33-year-old has secured an award off the slopes: the Pierre de Coubertin Award.
The award, named after the founder of the modern Olympic Games, is presented by the International Fair Play Committee for "exceptional fair play achievements in a competition with the highest stakes." The award was first presented in 1965 and has only been awarded seven times in total.
Zubcic Disqualified Himself
At the 2025 slalom race in Gurgl, Zubcic had reported a gate violation that had gone unnoticed by the officials. The Croatian was subsequently removed from the race. He thus virtually disqualified himself.
"That's how I was raised. I expect this sport to be a place of honesty," said the 2021 Cortina parallel Vice World Champion back then after the race.
Praise from All Sides
He was even uncomfortable receiving praise from all sides for what he considered a "matter of course."
"Given my deficit, I could have challenged for a top spot, but I don't want to win points that way," the Croatian stated, proving himself a role model for fair play & down-to-earthness despite the fierce competition within the World Cup.
