As of: February 15, 2024, 5:01 a.m
By: Korbinian Kothny
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Charlie Guest sharply attacks the World Ski Federation FIS with an open letter.
The junior receives prominent support.
The FIS reacts.
Portes du Soleil – The FIS is once again exposed to massive criticism.
This time, the international ski association is not being criticized for the enormous burden on athletes or the issue of sustainability, but is suddenly exposed to a real gender debate.
Junior ski ace with violent allegations
“Dear FIS, what we just experienced is simply not ok,” writes Charlie Guest on Instagram.
The young Scottish woman's point of criticism?
At the Junior World Championships in Portes du Soleil, France, the men's technical races were broadcast live, but the women's races were not.
“The decision to withhold the women's races from a global audience has sent a damaging message to female alpine racers of all ages,” criticized Guest in a two-page letter to the ski governing body.
Charlie Guest criticizes the World Ski Federation FIS and gets support from Lindsey Vonn.
© IMAGO / Eibner Europe / Newspix24
Guest receives prominent support from Vonn and Veith
According to the technology specialist, the message from the FIS through the decision was: “Female athletes are not valued.
Female athletes don't deserve to be in the spotlight.
The athletes’ careers and their results are irrelevant and unimportant, regardless of their ability, determination and effort.”
Guest demanded answers from the FIS and also an apology for all athletes who competed in the giant slalom and slalom at the Junior World Championships.
The Scot's criticism immediately found prominent supporters.
Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn commented under the post: “Thank you for standing up and saying something!
That takes courage!” Anna Veith, also an Olympic champion, wrote: “Well said, Charlie, we need strong women like you.”
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FIS reacts to allegations and vows to improve
The American Vonn also defended the ski association and explained: “It is not the FIS, but the LOC (local organizing committee) that decides what is broadcast,” and promised, “I will continue to look into it !”
The FIS has now also responded to the allegations.
Under Guest's post, the governing body commented: “We at the FIS should have worked harder to ensure that women have the same opportunities as men, and we will take your feedback as a reminder to accelerate and increase the participation of women here in the future “It seems like Guest’s incendiary letter ended up doing something good.
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