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Former Olympic champion Grospiron to take top 2030 Games post / Photo: JOEL SAGET - AFP
NYSE - LSE
Former Olympic champion Grospiron to take top 2030 Games post
Former Olympic champion Edgar Grospiron will be named next week as president of the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps, an official said Thursday.
Grospiron, a gold medallist in freestyle moguls at the 1992 Albertville showpiece, will be proposed for the top job on Tuesday following the decision of five-time Olympic biathlon champion Martin Fourcade to withdraw from the running.
"I warmly congratulate Edgar Grospiron who will be proposed for the presidency of the (organising committee) for the 2030 Olympics in the French Alps," said Sports Minister Marie Barsacq, who highlighted "his energy", his "passion" and "his expertise".
In a nod to history, the news that 55-year-old Grospiron will take the job comes on the same day that he was crowned Olympic champion 33 years ago.
"A beautiful symbol," said Barsacq.
Last week, Fourcade said he would "not sacrifice his convictions" as he spurned the presidency.
Despite the backing of the French government and sports federations, Fourcade highlighted "too many disagreements" for his decision not to head the organising committee.
Grospiron faced competition five other contenders -- former athletes Marie Martinod, Vincent Jay, Nathalie Pechalat, Jean-Luc Cretier, as well as ex-journalist Gerard Holtz.
D.Fischer--BlnAP
