Thomas Schwab now Vice President for Marketing of the FIL

Thomas Schwab

Berchtesgaden (RWH) Thomas Schwab is the name of the first Vice President for Marketing of the International Luge Federation (FIL). The Chairman of the German Bobsleigh, Luge and Skeleton Federation (BSD) was elected by the delegates at the 67th FIL Congress in Ljubljana (SLO). The role of Vice President for Marketing was created last year at the FIL Congress in Bratislava (SKV).

Thomas Schwab has enjoyed a successful career as an athlete, coach and official. Now 57, Schwab and his partner Wolfgang Staudinger won bronze in the doubles event at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary (CAN). The duo also became European Champions in the doubles event that same winter. In 1987, Schwab/Staudinger finished third in the World Championships and won the overall World Cup.

After successfully completing his degree, the former athlete from Berchtesgaden took over from German coach Sepp Lenz in 1995. Under Schwab’s guidance, the German team won six out of nine possible Olympic titles and a total of 14 from 24 possible Olympic medals. Overall, his athletes won 50 gold medals, 43 silver medals and 23 bronze medals at Olympic Games, World Championships and European Championships. 

In 2008, Schwab – who is also considered the “father” of the team relay event – succeeded Stefan Kraus as the Secretary General and Sports Director of the BSD. Schwab’s term in office has seen the sports association establish modern structures with a professional management team.

Thomas Schwab (Vice President for Marketing)

"The role of Vice President for Marketing has already become customary in many other international sporting federations. It is only right and fitting that the FIL has now established such a position as well. On a personal level, I am delighted to have been elected and entrusted with this role by the delegates because it means that the BSD – one of the FIL's strongest members – is now adequately represented on the FIL's Executive Board. Working with the President and the FIL's head office, I will be identifying a set of measures to help advance our sport. As a result of these developments, I hope that we will be able to keep apace with competing sports and disciplines. I am looking forward to this new role."