Matteo Franzoso, FIS mobilizes for safety.
The FIS published today on its official website an open letter in which it expresses its condolences for the tragic death of Matteo Franzoso and in which it announces that it is aiming to improve safety conditions in Alpine skiing competitions and training. Here is the text.
“The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Italian alpine skier Matteo Franzoso, following a fall during training in Chile. Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates and the entire Italian skiing community, who are mourning this devastating loss.”
“Moments like this highlight the serious risks that are an integral part of our sport. They also remind us of the shared responsibility that all of us –athletes, coaches, organizers, associations and governing bodies – have to do everything we can to reduce those risks.”
“One thing is clear: the pursuit of performance must never eclipse the priority of safety. It is not possible to eliminate the inherent dangers of alpine skiing, but – by listening, raising awareness and promoting a dialogue that leads to collective action – we can mitigate the risks.”
“However, together with the National Ski Federations, Local Organizing Committees, coaches, partners and, most importantly, the athletes themselves, we need to identify where risks are greatest, address systemic challenges and support a culture where safety is an integral part of every decision. Safe training conditions and safeguarding competition require not only awareness, but also a firm and collective commitment from the entire ski community. Only by acting together can we create the conditions so that safety is not compromised.”
“Through the Athlete Health Unit (AHU), FIS is strengthening a scientific and systematic approach to athlete wellness, which will continue to expand in depth and scope in close collaboration with our partners. In this area, we are pursuing state-of-the-art innovation with airbags and electronic release bindings, as well as helmet technologies that can withstand multiple impacts.”
“In the coming weeks, FIS will further intensify its dialogue with its stakeholders, always with one guiding principle: the well-being and safety of athletes must come first.”
