With Optimal Sports, Petra Kronberger has headed an important area within the Austrian Ski Association in recent years. At the end of the year, the former ski racer will leave the ÖSV at her own request.
The double Olympic champion from 1992 returned to the ÖSV as part of the 2013 World Ski Championships in Schladming, where she was responsible for the cultural program, among other things. After a short break, she took on the role of women's representative (for women's alpine skiing) in 2014 and was therefore considered a pioneer in this field of activity. The Salzburg native was one of the first prevention and protection officers trained through the “100% Sport” association and completed her training as a qualified life and social counselor (psychology) in 2021. Since 2020, together with Prof. Martina Leibovici-Mühlberger, she has been significantly involved in the implementation of the new Optimal Sports concept and was officially entrusted with management in autumn 2021.
As part of the current structural changes within the ÖSV, it was decided to integrate Optimal Sports into the medical sector. “I acknowledge this decision with respect. Optimal Sports has been independent and standalone within the organization since its presentation in February 2020. For me this has always been an important value. In my opinion, this is no longer the case due to the new structure and that is why I have decided to say goodbye to the ÖSV after eleven years,” explained Petra Kronberger.
A decision that ÖSV sports director Mario Stecher regrets, but which must be respected: “Optimal Sports is still intended to be independent - but in the course of the structural changes it was important to us to use all resources that deal with the topic of holistic health, to be bundled in the Medicine Department. What Petra has achieved and helped to build in this area over the last few years is great and it is a shame that this collaboration ends shortly before the home World Cup in Saalbach. It is important for the Austrian Ski Association that the valuable work in this area continues successfully and that we remain a pioneer for responsible framework conditions in sport.”
Optimal Sports – the focus is on people
Optimal Sports is based on a humanistic idea. It focuses on people and trusts in the principle that the inherent potential for the highest possible performance can best be promoted through a holistic view and the careful development of a person.
The three pillars of Optimal Sports, personality strengthening, health development and resource awareness (social sustainability), have been further filled and expanded in recent years. Ski Austria received a special award in June 2024 by receiving the “Best Practice in Good Governance” certificate from the Federal Ministry (BMKÖS), in which Optimal Sports played an important role.
“Since I returned to the ÖSV, my focus has always been on the well-being of the athletes. When I look back on the eleven years, I see many exciting, instructive and emotional moments. My thanks go to all colleagues, the ÖSV management body, as well as the President and the Presidential Conference, for the trust they have placed in me and the opportunities that Optimal Sports and I have been offered. I wish everyone all the best for the future,” said Petra Kronberger.