IOC announces Athlete Role Models for Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck
Kerstin Szymkowiak (GER) for Skeleton, Ivo Rüegg (SUI) for Bobsleigh
(FIBT Press Release)
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday (21. september) announced the list of Innsbruck 2012 Athlete Role Models (ARMs) for the inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games taking place from 13 to 22 January in Innsbruck, Austria.
For the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation Kerstin Szymkowiak (GER) and Ivo Rüegg (SUI) will be in Innsbruck to inspire and support the young athletes.
Kerstin Szymkowiak as highlight and finish of her career as skeleton pilot 2010 won the Olympic silver medal in Vancouver. The now 33-years-old won three bronze medals at World Championships and was European Champion in the year 2005.
As Athlete Role Model for the young bobsleighers Ivo Rüegg (SUI) will go to the Winter Youth Olympic Games. The 40-years-old from Switzerland as bobsleigh pilot was World Champion 2007 in the two men bob and also won World Championships Gold in the four men bob in 2009.
The list features a number of star athletes nominated by the International Federations taking part in the Winter Youth Olympic Games. The ARMs will spend time with the athletes, answering their questions and providing tips on everything from healthy eating to training regimens. The ARMs will attend the competitions, visit the Youth Olympic Village and feature in “Meet the Role Models” forums designed to inspire and educate the participants with personal accounts of their own dreams and experiences, and the challenges they have overcome. In addition, a dedicated Athlete Role Model lounge in the Youth Olympic Village will be available for the young athletes to drop in and ask questions first-hand to their icons.
The Athlete Role Models will also play a key part of the Culture and Education Programme for athletes during Games-time. This programme will focus on topics such as Olympism and Olympic values, skills development, well being and healthy lifestyles, social responsibility and expression through digital media
