Following is a statement from the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association relative to comments and actions with slopestyle skiing athletes competing this past weekend in the FIS World Championships in Sierra Nevada, Spain.
Respect of athletes and inclusion in the decision-making process are core principles of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, as well as in our role as the host of the 2019 World Freestyle, Freeski and Snowboard Championships in Utah and annual FIS World Cups across America. We rely heavily on the advice and support of our current and former athletes to guide our venue operations, event planning and execution. Athletes are crucial as they drive the global media following and fan base that help support and grow our sports. Without their passion, hard work, great performances and spectacular success we would not have the fantastic World Championships and world class competitions that we have today.
We expect the same respect to be shown by everyone engaged in sport and know that the International Ski Federation feels the same way. Comments to athletes during management of a challenging situation with the World Championship slopestyle skiing event this weekend were not in this spirit, resulting in a lack of respect and inclusion in the event decision-making process the athletes deserved. We look forward to continuing to work with our international federation engendering greater mutual respect for athletes.
Attributed to Tiger Shaw, President and CEO, USSA
