Jan 10, 2025 – Yohann Taberlet has dedicated his life to Para Alpine Skiing. By his own admission, it is not just a passion, but part of his identity.
Now the Frenchman is ready to give back to the sport in a behind-the-scenes capacity, joining the Federation of International Ski and Snowboard (FIS) as a Technical Delegate (TD).
This weekend he will become the first sit-skiing TD to operate on a FIS Para Alpine Skiing World Cup event in St-Moritz, between 11-13 January. His role will focus on ensuring the fairness of the race, the safety of athletes, and the proper execution of the event with accurate and reliable timing.
“[Being a Technical Delegate] demands great precision, the ability to make quick decisions, and a comprehensive vision of the event,” Taberlet told FIS.
“These qualities, which I developed throughout my sporting career, have helped me thrive in this new mission.”
It is my way of giving back to skiing for everything it has given me, while contributing to grow within this world I’m so passionate about. Yohann Taberlet, former Para Alpine Skiing World Cup athlete and FIS Technical Delegate The four-time Paralympian has a unique perspective coming into his new position, having been on the slopes himself. From his own time racing, he recognises that participants may not realise just what goes in to making sure these events run seamlessly.
“This athlete experience allows me, I believe, to make the fairest decision in my role,” Taberlet added.
Much like the few competitions he has already worked on, the upcoming Para World Cup event is a culmination of two years training that has prepared him in the best way possible. A mix of exams and formal evaluations made up the rigorous process that guarantees “only well-prepared and competent individuals are certified as FIS Technical Delegates.”
A calm persona, cool head, and attentiveness are the three traits in particular that Taberlet views as key to his role. He is of the impression that no-one is perfect, there is no absolute truth, but what matters is humility in every situation.
More than anything, though, the former athlete wants to give the current crop of participants memorable moments of both performance and sports excellence.
“I want them to carry in their hearts and minds the memory of having lived through a world-class competition with optimal safety conditions and, most importantly, enjoyment.”
Anja Skutelj, FIS Para Alpine Skiing Race Director, is particularly thrilled to have Taberlet’s expertise for the federation’s benefit.
We’ve already worked together when he was an athlete. Having Yohann back on the Para Alpine World Cup circuit, now as a Technical Delegate, is truly a pleasure. His experience as a former World Cup athlete brings great value to the role, and I have complete trust in his commitment to prioritizing the athletes’ best interests. Anja Skutelj, FIS Para Alpine Skiing Race Director Read below the full Q&A with Yohann Taberlet.
Yohann, after the end of your professional ski racing career, when and why did you choose to become a FIS Technical Delegate?
After concluding my career in competitive skiing, it was important for me to stay connected to the sport that shaped such a significant part of my life. Alpine skiing is not just a passion; it’s a part of my identity, and I wanted to continue contributing to its growth and success, but in a different way.
The role of a FIS Technical Delegate naturally stood out to me. It offers a unique perspective, both technical and organizational, on competitions. I’ve always been fascinated by what happens behind the scenes: the preparation of the slopes, the enforcement of regulations, and, most importantly, ensuring fair and safe conditions for athletes.
Becoming a Technical Delegate allowed me to leverage my experience as a high-level athlete. I understand the expectations of competitors, the challenges they face, and the nuances of the races. I wanted to bring this expertise to ensure that every competition meets the standards of excellence I have always valued.
This role also demands great precision, the ability to make quick decisions, and a comprehensive vision of the event. These qualities, which I developed throughout my sporting career, have helped me thrive in this new mission. In short, becoming a FIS Technical Delegate was my way of giving back to skiing for everything it has given me, while continuing to grow within this world I’m so passionate about.
Can you please explain the process to become a FIS Technical Delegate?
The training process to become a FIS Technical Delegate typically takes about two years and involves several key steps to ensure candidates are fully prepared for the responsibilities of the role.
In the first year, candidates are required to attend the annual FIS Technical Delegate seminar, which includes updates on rules and procedures. They must also gain practical experience by participating in at least two FIS races in their home country—one in a technical discipline and one in a speed discipline. During these races, candidates work under the supervision of an experienced FIS Technical Delegate to learn the intricacies of the role and gain hands-on experience.
The second year is focused on evaluation and certification. Candidates must pass both a written and an oral exam, which are conducted in English. Additionally, they are assessed during two practical races—again, one in a technical discipline and one in a speed discipline—under the supervision of an official FIS representative. During these assessments, their ability to manage tasks, ensure compliance with regulations, and make decisions under pressure is thoroughly evaluated.
In summary, the first year emphasizes gaining experience and learning through observation and supervised practice, while the second year is centered on formal evaluation through exams and practical assessments. This rigorous process ensures that only well-prepared and competent individuals are certified as FIS Technical Delegates
What was the biggest challenge for you in this process?
The biggest challenge for me was adapting the practical exams to my situation as a person with a disability. Since I ski seated, we had to find solutions to ensure accessibility to certain areas, such as timing cabins and specific sections of the slopes. However, it was very important to me that I be treated like everyone else, with my unique particularity, but without receiving any special treatment in terms of the practical tasks or assessments.
This approach was fully respected, which I deeply appreciated, as it made the diploma even more meaningful. The adjustments allowed me to complete the entire process without compromising the rigor of the evaluation.
Ultimately, overcoming these challenges helped me grow both personally and professionally. It also gave me an even deeper appreciation for the complexities involved in organizing world-class ski competitions, as well as the importance of inclusivity in the sport.
Can you please explain what are the main tasks of a FIS Technical Delegate?
The main tasks of a FIS Technical Delegate are to ensure that the FIS rules and guidelines are respected, to oversee the smooth running of the event, and to take responsibility for the safety of the athletes, which is a crucial aspect of the role.
Additionally, the Technical Delegate must check all parameters of the race, including the timing systems. After all, without accurate timing, there is no race. It is essential to ensure that the timing equipment is functioning properly, as this directly impacts the fairness and integrity of the competition.
In summary, a FIS Technical Delegate must ensure the fairness of the race, the safety of the athletes, and the proper execution of the event, with accurate and reliable timing.
In which disciplines and at which level are you working as a FIS Technical Delegate?
So far, I have had official assignments in technical disciplines, specifically in slalom and giant slalom. My work has ranged from city-based FIS events to national championships and even World Cup events.
What do you like to most in your role as FIS Technical Delegate?
First and foremost, what I enjoy about this role is that it allows me to return to competition venues and reconnect with all my friends from the racing world, whether they are athletes or coaches. That’s the first aspect I really appreciate. But on a more serious note, I also enjoy taking on responsibility, and the role of Technical Delegate is quite significant, especially in terms of ensuring the physical integrity of the athletes and making sure that the races run smoothly.
What I like most is organizing and running great events where all the athletes return home safely, with a smile on their face and the feeling of having experienced an unforgettable competition.
Above all, the role I enjoy the most is being the main coordinator of the competition, ensuring that everything comes together and runs seamlessly.
How is your experience as a World Cup athlete helping you in this role?
My experience as an athlete and as a Paralympian helps me primarily because I already have knowledge of many of the rules surrounding high-level competitions. It’s also experience gained from the other side of the barrier—meaning, as an athlete, you don’t always realize the full scope of tasks and responsibilities that everyone around the race has. Now, as a Technical Delegate, I understand that. This athlete experience allows me, I believe, to make the fairest decisions in my role.
What do you think is required to be a good FIS Technical Delegate?
In my view, to be a good FIS Technical Delegate, one must be a calm person, able to keep a cool head, and be attentive to both athletes and coaches. At the same time, it’s important to have the charisma to make decisions that are as fair as possible, while staying consistent with all the elements at play at the moment. However, the main quality is still to be humble in the face of the elements. It’s important to remember that no one is perfect, and there is no absolute truth. We must know how to remain humble in every situation, which means being attentive and constructive in the choices and decisions we make.
What are you hoping to achieve in your role as FIS Technical Delegate?
As I mentioned earlier in the interview, what I hope to achieve in this role is for athletes to experience great moments of performance and sports excellence, and for them to return home unscathed. Above all, I want them to carry in their hearts and minds the memory of having lived through a world-class competition with optimal safety conditions and, most importantly, enjoyment.
