Edgar Grospiron has been chosen as the president of the organizing committee for the 2030 Olympics. The Olympic champion of the Albertville Games in 1992 will indeed take on this role and organize the Winter Games of the French Alps.
The organization of the 2030 Alpine Olympic and Paralympic Games has found its president. Edgar Grospiron, former Olympic champion in freestyle skiing, has been selected to lead the Organizing Committee. He succeeds Martin Fourcade, who withdrew from consideration a few days ago.
Edgar Grospiron’s name ultimately prevailed after several days of consultations between the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions, the CNOSF, and state representatives, including Sports Minister Marie Barsacq and Michel Barnier. Among the candidates were also Nathalie Péchalat, Gérard Holtz, Marie Martinod, Vincent Jay, and Jean-Luc Crétier.
What likely tipped the scales in favor of the former skier is his knowledge of the IOC’s workings. He had previously expressed his interest in the position in various interviews. His profile convinced the decision-makers, who were looking for someone capable of successfully organizing the Games in a demanding budgetary and environmental context.
A Large Challenge
Leading the project, Edgar Grospiron will have to manage a budget of two billion euros. But the most significant task will obviously be ensuring the setup of the event by 2030. “The question is not whether it’s enough or not enough. It’s not whether the concept is well done or poorly done, if it fits a vision or if it fits my vision. The issue is: what team do we put in place? What are we concretely doing?” he explained on RMC.
Edgar Grospiron will notably have to convince partners and mobilize the concerned areas. He will have three months to lay the groundwork for the organization, with major issues like site planning and establishing financing.
His appointment will be officially announced on February 18 in Lyon. “I know I can count on his energy, passion, and expertise to lead the teams of COJOP Alpes Françaises 2030 and collectively write a new chapter of the Winter Games,” said Marie Barsacq.