FREESTYLE. Following the meeting of its Executive Board in London (GBR) on Wednesday, 6th April, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed the inclusion of a total of six new events on the program of the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014. The newly added events which are FIS events are Freestyle Ski halfpipe (men and ladies) and ladies’ Ski Jumping, along with Biathlon mixed relay, Figure Skating team event and Luge team relay.

Mirjam Jaeger of Switzerland competes in the women's halfpipe Freestyle Ski Final during day eight of the Winter Games NZ at Cardrona Alpine Resort on August 29, 2009 in Wanaka, New Zealand. (August 28, 2009 - Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Five other FIS events under consideration — the Alpine nation’s team event, Freestyle Ski slopestyle (men and ladies) and Snowboard slopestyle (men and ladies) remain subject to a further feasibility study. A decision on the inclusion of these five events will be made within the coming months following further work among FIS technical experts, representatives of the Sochi 2014 organizing committee and the International Olympic Committee.

The IOC especially cited the attractiveness and popularity among the young generations along with the spectacular, high level in both the men’s and ladies competition as the benefits of Freestyle Ski halfpipe events.

“FIS is pleased about the IOC’s decision to include ladies’ Ski Jumping and Freestyle Ski halfpipe in the Sochi 2014 Games. Both of these events have clearly demonstrated their merits in being part of the Olympic winter program,” said FIS President Gian Franco Kasper. “We remain confident that the other FIS events requiring additional technical study will also be accepted, given their high appeal especially to younger audiences.”

Chairman of the FIS Freestyle Committee, Chris Robinson, stated the following after the decision:

"Since the FIS Congress in 2000 the Freestyle Committee has been committed to the development of new events within our structure.  Both halfpipe and slopestyle reflect the creative expression of young skiers seeking to push boundaries in skiing which has always been at the root of development in Freestyle Skiing. The approved addition of halfpipe to the Olympic Games is the culmination of 10 years of work to develop these youth oriented events within National Ski Associations around the world and we remain optimistic that slopestyle will also be included. The addition of half pipe and slopestyle to the freestyle discipline has expanded the scope of freestyle skiing around the world. These new Olympic events in Freestyle Skiing will expand the youth appeal of the Olympic Games and bring a whole new generation of skiers into the Olympic movement."

FISfreestyle.com
Wednesday 6 April 2011

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