Farewell Interview: Vice President Sorin Buta Looks Back

After four years in office, the Romanian will not run for re-election

At the 70th FIL Congress in Hall in Tirol, Austria, in 2022, Sorin Buta was elected FIL Vice President for Alpine Luge (then still known as Natural Track Luge). After four years in office, the Romanian will not run for re-election.

Sorin Buta during the Alpine Luge World Cup in Winterleiten (AUT)

Berchtesgaden (FIL/15 May 2026) – Sorin Buta served as an Executive Board Member of the International Luge Federation (FIL) from 2020 to 2022. In 2022, he succeeded Peter Knauseder (AUT), who had been Vice President for Natural Track from 2014 to 2022. Buta, who was President of the Romanian Bobsleigh and Luge Federation from 2010 to 2023, will not seek re-election at the 74th FIL Congress in Berchtesgaden, Germany, on 8 and 9 June.

What was for you personally the most memorable moment during the past 4 seasons in Alpine Luge?
Sorin Buta: „All the competitions were very well organized and I appreciated the involvement of the clubs, sponsors, and volunteers. What impressed me was the World Championship in Deutschnofen/Nova Ponente (ITA) in 2023. This was supposed to take place in Vatra Dornei (ROU), but due to weather conditions - there was no snow and the slope could not freeze - we moved it to Deutschnofen/Nova Ponente. Just two weeks after the World Cup in the same place, the mobilization for organizing the World Championship was outstanding, club, sponsors, local authorities, and many volunteers, and it was a superb event.“

Now we are in full transition from Natural Track Luge to Alpine Luge. Is this the way to the future?
Sorin Buta: „Yes, I am convinced that this is the future. The new concept of alpine luge opens the door for all federations to organise competitions and events. In every country, there are ski areas where these competitions can be held at low cost. This new concept is not about public sledding for everyone, but rather about a competitive race format featuring World Cups and World Championships. The key difference is that it can be held on snow rather than on ice, opening the way for all nations to train athletes and organise events. Ultimately, this will lead to greater popularity, increased visibility, and more sponsorship opportunities.“

How do you reassume your four years as Vice-President for Alpine Luge?

Sorin Buta: „I am not the one who should make that assessment. The colleagues I have worked with, the members of the Executive Board, and the national federations are in a position to give their opinion. In my view, what has been achieved over the past two years through this new concept of alpine luge is a remarkable accomplishment that paves the way for the future — something that many people believed would not be possible. I have and will always have very beautiful memories.“

In June you will not run for second term. Why?

Sorin Buta: „I am no longer standing for re-election for personal reasons. I am 65 years old and a young retiree. I worked every day for 40 years, and now I would like to spend this period of my life in peace and enjoyment. I also have a small construction consultancy company, and I will continue with this activity for as long as there is work to do.“

The only candidate is Simon Paregger (AUT). What will we see from his side as Vice President for Alpine Luge?

Sorin Buta: „Simon Paregger is a young man with experience, with whom I have worked closely at all natural track luge competitions. He is familiar with both classic natural track luge and the new concept. His mission in the coming years will not be an easy one — not because he will have to change mentalities or convince nations that this is the future of luge. Together with my colleagues, we have already achieved that. His challenge will be to secure the budgets needed to promote the development of the new concept and the transition from natural track luge. I hope he will continue to work as successfully with the team I have built, because they are highly professional people.“

What is your personal future looking?

Sorin Buta: „As I said, I am retired at the age of 65. I will continue to look after my small construction consultancy company so that the 40 years of work I have dedicated to it do not suddenly come to an end. Above all, however, I want to spend the coming years — God willing — in peace and happiness, surrounded by all my loved ones.“

Thank you very much for the interview and all the best.

Sorin Buta: „Thank you. And I would like to thank all the colleagues I have worked with, especially Andreas Castiglioni, the Alpine Luge Sports Director, for his professionalism and friendship.“