Ten questions for... Sigi Asprion

1) As the executive president, you bear the primary responsibility for the upcoming Freestyle World Championships. With 365 days to go, what is the interim assessment one year before the event?

The interim assessment is definitely positive. The preparations are progressing according to plan, and everything is on schedule. The event venues have been determined, and infrastructure measures are well underway. The interest from the media is promising, indicating international attention as well.

2) Are there any major issues to tackle or is everything on track?

Luckily, there are no major issues that could jeopardise the smooth execution of the event. Of course, there are always minor challenges to tackle, but overall, we are well on track.

3) What are the next major milestones before the big showdown?

There are several milestones to achieve, including the completion of all competition venues and infrastructure before the start of the World Championships. Additionally, the organisation of the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the final planning for the security and the smooth of all events need to be taken care of.

4) You have previously worked in the organising committee as well as in the presidency of the 2003 and 2017 Alpine Ski World Championships. What are the major differences in the organisation of Alpin and Freestyle events?

The organisation of the Freestyle World Championships differs significantly from an Alpine World Championship. While Alpine events focus on traditional disciplines with technical specifications, a part of Freestyle events emphasises the creativity of athletes and the diversity of disciplines. This requires a flexible and innovative approach from the organisation to appropriately showcase the unique character of each discipline. Additionally, having multiple venues requires more complex planning.

5) In what way does your expertise in the planning of the Alpine World Championships assist you with your new tasks?

My experiences at the Alpine World Championships help me prepare for the demands of a major event and maintain an overview of the diverse organizational challenges whenever possible. While the basic principles of event management and execution are similar, the specific requirements of Freestyle events still necessitate an adapted approach.

6) One of the declared goals of the Freestyle World Championships is to bring a fresh spirit to Engadin. Is the new breeze palpable?

Yes, the fresh spirit and in particular the great anticipation can definitely already be felt - also thanks to the test events. You can literally observe how, with each phase of preparation at the individual venues and as the World Cup draws closer, more and more Engadiners are becoming interested in the topic.

7) What do you like better, and what do you like less about the Freestyle world?

I am fascinated by the energy and creativity that emanates from the athletes and the fans. It's a sport that stands for self-expression, the will to fight and determination. However, it is also characterised by a certain unpredictability to which I am less accustomed.

8) Have you adopted any new typical 'Freestyle' characteristics?

This would have to be up to my close environment to determine if I’ve already adopted Freestyle characteristics. However, I definitely enjoy and appreciate collaborating with young co-workers within the organisation, and personally, I can benefit greatly from it.

9) You and Milan lead the organization as a leadership duo. Do you have a clear division of tasks, or do you decide everything together?

Milan and I don't have a fixed division of labour. We both have our own personal strengths and experience. We make important decisions together and with the management, which ensures that all aspects are taken into account.

10) Closing question: with which sentence should the Freestyle World Championships go down in the history books?

The Freestyle World Championships shall go down in the history of Engadin and the sporting world, not only for its world-class athleticism and sportsmanship but also for inaugurating an era of creativity, diversity, and enthusiasm for freestyle sports.