Golden 25 -- Winter Sports Leaders #8

(ATR) Now’s the time for winter Olympic federation leaders to fine-tune for 2014.

Together with Jean-Claude Killy of France, the triple Olympic champion chairing the IOC Coordination Commission, these seven presidents will help make or break the success of Sochi in the next 13 months to the Games:

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- Gian-Franco Kasper of the International Ski Federation – Already upset over cuts to spectator numbers, the Swiss IOC member has a lot at stake in Sochi, where new events make FIS accountable for half of all medal decisions.

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- Rene Fasel of the International Ice Hockey Federation – With the Bolshoy Ice Dome all but ready, the Swiss IOC member and possible presidential candidate must worry about negotiations with the NHL and NHLPA to ensure the world’s best take the ice in Sochi.

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- Ottavio Cinquanta of the International Skating Union – On the heels of Sochi’s first international test event – December’s ISU Grand Prix Final – the Italian IOC member is making noise about poor sightlines in the Iceberg Winter Sports Palace.

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- Kate Caithness of the World Curling Federation – It’s up to the Scot to ensure WCF makes the most of the Ice Cube, curling’s first real showcase venue at a Winter Olympics.

- Josef Fendt of the International Luge Federation – The longtime FIL leader from Germany must oversee a smooth integration of the mixed relay in Sochi – and guarantee a safe Games for his athletes.

- Ivo Ferriani of the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation – Safety at the Sanki Sliding Center is also a top concern for FIBT and its Italian boss.

- Anders Besseberg of the International Biathlon Union – IBU will also debut a mixed relay in Sochi, the Norwegian in charge of its implementation.

2012 Golden 25: 21

Written and reported by the ATR Staff.