NEWS
Olympics: Snowboarder Payer Fights for His Sport's Inclusion
It remains unclear whether parallel giant slalom will be part of the 2030 Olympic Games. A decision is expected in early July.
Will snowboard parallel giant slalom remain an Olympic discipline in 2030?
This decision, unlike that for ski mountaineering, has been postponed until July 7.
Alexander Payer, who serves as an athlete representative and is a strong advocate for his sport, recently received a call from FIS President Alexander Ospelt, as reported by "Krone".
"The FIS asked me to describe the situation from an athlete's perspective. We had a good conversation," he is quoted by the medium.
"It's about minor details that we need to change to remain Olympic. If the FIS addresses the IOC's wishes, I am positive that we will remain Olympic," he further revealed. In the future, among other things, slopes and finish areas are to be used multiple times for various sports.
Livigno provided a boost
The competitions in Livigno were good for them. Despite a lower social media presence, the races were always sold out and the fans created a great atmosphere, which the IOC is also said to have noticed, reports the 36-year-old.
Payer will no longer be competing for medals in France in 2030, but concludes: "For me, it's about the next generation. We have great interest in our club on the Simonhöhe – I want to be able to offer children and young people a prospect of the Olympics. Moreover, for years I was there for everyone as an athlete representative. I don't want the sport to drop out of the Olympic program under my watch."
