Oberhofen / Thunersee, August 21, 2013: Five alpine skiers and one cross-country skier announced their intention to run for election to the Athletes Commission of International Olympic Committee. Former Swiss downhill great Didier Cuche headlined the group, which was announced on August 16th. He is joined by: Austrian-born Kilian Albrecht of Bulgaria; Ana Jelusic of Croatia; Tanja Poutiainen of Finland; and Sarka Zahrobska of the Czech Republic. One Cross Country skier has also thrwn his hat in the ring: Italy’s Pietro Piller-Cotter.
In total, nine candidates will compete for two available places that represent winter sports athletes on the IOC for an eight-year term. Canadian ice hockey player Hayley Wickenheiser, biathletes Ole Einar Bjorndalen of Norway and Darya Domracheva of Belarus are the other three hopefuls.
The election for the two available spots will be held during the 2014 Sochi Olympics where all athletes competing at the Games will be eligible to vote. The two winners will replace Canadian cross-country skier Beckie Scott and ice hockey player Saku Koivu of Finland.
Maze and Clark finalists for Sportswoman of the Year
Two athletes from the ski and snowboard world have been named finalists for the annual Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year Award. Alpine overall World Cup winner Tina Maze and American snowboard sensation Kelly Clark are among the eight finalists up for the prestigious award.
Maze topped the FIS rankings in 2013 after scoring a record breaking 2,414 points in a single season, 1,313 points more than the second best ranked athlete.
Clark celebrated her 60th career win during the 2013 season, which is the most career wins of any other male or female snowboarder.
Maze and Clarkson join an elite group of finalists that includes tennis player Serena Williams, swimmer Missy Franklin, pole vaulter Jenn Suhr, golfer Inbee Park, Paralympic track star Tatyana McFadden and figure skater Mao Asada.
The award is determined by a combination of online voting and the foundation’s Award Committee.
Winners will be announced at the 34rd Annual Salute to Women in Sports Gala on October 16, in New York City. Athletes were considered for the 2013 Sportswoman of the Year Award based on their achievements between August 13th 2012, and July 31st 2013.
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