Peter Fischer will say goodbye. After 23 years as chairman of the Garmisch ski club and head of the OK Ski World Cup, he ended this chapter on December 31, 2020. For the OK he presents a new employee with ex-racer Fritz Dopfer.
His era ended at the end of the year: Peter Fischer left as World Cup Ok boss and ski club chairman.
© Thomas Very
Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Peter Fischer gives his first interview. Shortly after being elected chairman of the Garmisch ski club. 23 years ago. He was asked about his goals. His answer: "I want to be the most successful ski club president in Germany." The reaction of many: "Such an arrogant dog." Fischer didn't care. He reached his goal. "We are who," he says. The Kandahar races are among the top events in the World Cup winter. In 2011 Garmisch-Partenkirchen hosted a flagship ski world championship. "We are who." Fischer says it again. What he doesn't say: There is a lot of "me" in this "we". Fischer is the Ski World Cup. He likes to call it his life's work. It's not easy to part with that. The 66-year-old wants to do it soon, at least gradually. He no longer competes in the board election at the ski club at the end of the year. Then the chapter ends with him as head of the World Cup organizing committee (OK).
Just go, without a clean, orderly transition - not Fischer's way. With the former ski racer Fritz Dopfer, he also presents a potential successor.
For September 1, ex-ski racer Fritz Dopfer joins the World Cup team
Born in Innsbruck, who grew up in Schongau and started for SC Garmisch, will join the OK team on September 1st. First as an employee with the option to become a managing director. "He is a young professional," says Fischer. "He comes to learn." Nothing to say extra to Dopfer. That's exactly what he wants to do, "that's what I'm really looking forward to." Peu à peu he wanted to familiarize himself with - just like in competitive sports. “You can't get right up there either.” As an athlete and as a person, Dopfer embodies meticulous work with a penchant for perfection. Who these characteristics remind you of. Even Fischer and Dopfer share the zodiac sign: Virgo.
The two had a lot of talks in advance, each time Dopfer was well prepared and wrote everything down. He signed the contract on Monday. Although Fischer never talked about his job. He spoke frankly about the pressure on the man at the top. He holds his head out if something goes wrong. He is criticized. He makes uncomfortable decisions. Media, sponsors, association officials, helpers and non-helpers, politicians: many people with whom he is in contact. By far not just friends. He divided them into the “Super-Fischer” and “Scheiß-Fischer” fractions himself, knowing that someone like him - passionate, stubborn, meticulous and mercilessly honest - polarized. "You have to endure that."
Peter Fischer on dream candidate Dopfer: a "coup for Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the World Cup"
Dopfer apparently dares. Fischer's mammoth footsteps also do not deter him. He thought about it carefully, says Fischer about his preferred candidate, whom he describes as the "coup for Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the World Cup". Not only because he values Dopfer as a human being. But also because he has the right training with sports management, knows the ski circus - and the ski circus knows him. "You don't have to explain anything to anyone."
Since his serious injury in 2016 - Dopfer broke his shin and fibula and never found his old form again - Fischer had the 32-year-old in his sights. In March of this year, the athlete announced his retirement.
What reassures Dopfer: Fischer is at his side and he also joins an experienced team. "This is a great environment in which I can develop." Fischer will train him in the winter season including the 2021 World Cup. "I'm not going, I'm staying." He means as a support, adviser, helper. This is also a challenge.
Peter Fischer: After the elections in the Garmisch ski club, no official function anymore
Fischer informed employees and close partners of his decision on Tuesday. Some suggested that at least as SC chairman and OC president - according to the statutes one person holds both posts - and only stop as OC manager. Fischer declined. He knows himself too well for that. As the person in charge, he would not be a good teacher, above all he would be the boss and decision-maker. "He won't get to his feet next to me." But he wishes that. "At some point the boat has to drive by itself."
After the elections, Fischer will no longer hold an official position. For the time being, the members are also not appointing an OK manager. If everything goes according to plan, Dopfer takes over this post once. However, the meeting will decide on Fischer's successor as SC and OK president at the end of the year. Fischer doesn't name names, they don't exist yet. Everything in time, he says.
Why did she come for his farewell? Fischer shrugs his shoulders. Now everything fits. The reactions above all prove him right. "Stay," many are said to have asked him. When everyone says "thank God he's gone" it's too late. "I want to determine when I go."
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