Lenka Kölliker, a prominent figure in Swiss politics and sports, has announced her resignation from the Worb Municipal Council. The FDP politician will step down in mid-November to focus on her new role as co-president of the 'Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Switzerland 2038' association. This decision highlights her increasing commitment to sports administration, a field she has been deeply involved in for many years.
Key Takeaways
- Lenka Kölliker resigns from Worb Municipal Council effective mid-November.
- She will serve as co-president of the 'Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Switzerland 2038' association.
- Kölliker has been President of Swiss Curling for over a year.
- Elena Lanfranconi will succeed Kölliker in the Worb Municipal Council.
- Switzerland holds exclusive dialogue status with the IOC for the 2038 Winter Games until 2027.
A Shift from Local Politics to National Sports Endeavor
Lenka Kölliker's departure from local government marks a significant transition in her public service career. Her new role as co-president for the 2038 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games bid requires a full commitment, making her municipal council duties unfeasible due to time constraints. This move underscores the demanding nature of leading a national bid for such a major international event.
Kölliker has been a member of the Worb Municipal Council since 2016. After a brief absence, she rejoined the executive body in 2021, taking on responsibility for finances. Her experience in municipal administration has provided her with a strong foundation in governance, which she will now apply to the complex task of organizing a potential Olympic bid.
Fact File: Lenka Kölliker
- Age: 56 years old
- Former Profession: Professional rower in Czech Republic
- Political Affiliation: FDP (Free Democratic Party)
- Previous Role: Head of Finance, Worb Municipal Council (since 2021)
- Current Sports Role: President of Swiss Curling (since 2022)
The Opportunity for Switzerland in 2038
Switzerland has a unique position in the bidding process for the 2038 Winter Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has granted Switzerland exclusive dialogue status until 2027. This means Switzerland is the only country currently in discussions for hosting the event. This exclusive period provides a critical window for developing a robust and compelling bid.
According to Swiss Olympic, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the country. However, it also comes with significant responsibilities. The project aims to unite the entire nation, extending beyond the realm of sports to impact various sectors.
"Thanks to the exclusivity granted by the IOC, Switzerland is the only country in discussion for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2038 until 2027. It is a unique opportunity, but also a great responsibility to develop such a project that unites the entire country beyond sport," Kölliker stated on the Swiss Olympic website.
This quote highlights the dual nature of the task: a rare chance for national pride and a complex organizational challenge. The bid will require extensive planning, coordination, and public support across all regions of Switzerland.
Background: Swiss Olympic Bid Process
The IOC's new bidding process for the Olympic Games involves a continuous dialogue phase, moving away from traditional competitive bids. This allows potential hosts to work closely with the IOC to develop sustainable and feasible concepts. Switzerland's exclusive dialogue status demonstrates the IOC's confidence in the country's potential to host a successful Winter Games.
Kölliker's Extensive Sports Engagement
Sports have always played a central role in Lenka Kölliker's life. Originally from the Czech Republic, she was a professional rower before moving to Switzerland over 30 years ago as a diplomat. While she left professional sports, her passion for athletics continued, leading her to various leadership roles in sports administration.
Her appointment as President of Swiss Curling in 2022 marked a significant milestone, as she became the first woman to hold this position. This role, combined with her new responsibilities for the 2038 Olympic bid, demonstrates her deep commitment and leadership within the Swiss sports community. Balancing these high-profile roles with municipal duties proved challenging, as noted by the FDP Worb.
The FDP Worb issued a media release stating, "Unfortunately, the new, challenging function is not compatible with the office of municipal councilor due to resource reasons." This statement confirms the demanding nature of her new national role.
Succession in Worb: Elena Lanfranconi Steps In
Following Lenka Kölliker's resignation, Elena Lanfranconi will take her place in the Worb Municipal Council. Lanfranconi, 27, represents a new generation of political leadership. She has been a member of the local parliament since 2018 and has served as the FDP parliamentary group leader since 2022.
Lanfranconi works in Zurich for an auditing and consulting firm, bringing a professional background in finance and strategy to her new role. Her appointment means she will be the only woman on the Worb Municipal Council. This change brings both continuity and fresh perspectives to the local governing body.
- Elena Lanfranconi's new role: Member of Worb Municipal Council
- Age: 27 years old
- Previous Political Experience: Parliament member since 2018, FDP parliamentary group leader since 2022
- Professional Background: Auditing and consulting firm in Zurich
- Significance: Will be the sole woman on the council
The transition ensures that the Worb Municipal Council maintains its full composition while allowing Kölliker to pursue her national sports ambitions. The focus now shifts to the preparation for the 2038 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games bid, a project with significant national implications.
