Jacqueline Stark: Pioneering Equality as Chairwoman of Nordic Combined Committee

Nordic Combined is breaking barriers and defying convention one milestone at a time.

In the realm of sports governance, a groundbreaking stride towards gender equality has been made with the ascension of Jacqueline Stark to the role of Chairwoman of the FIS Nordic Combined Committee.

The Austrian has made history by becoming the first woman to preside over a FIS Disciplines Committee, shattering glass ceilings and paving the way for increased inclusivity in the traditionally male-dominated sports administration.

In this week’s Tuesday Talk, Stark provides insights into her new role, her objectives and the progressive future she envisions for Nordic Combined under her leadership.

You have been associated with Nordic Combined on the OC and National Ski Association side for many years. Can you tell us a little about your various tasks?

Jacqueline Stark: "I've been part of the Organizing Committee in Seefeld (AUT) since 2013 and helped organize the Nordic Combined TRIPLE and the 2019 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. 
In 2021 I became the chairwoman of my home ski club in Seefeld and thus took over the role as Head of the OC of the Nordic Combined TRIPLE.

It is an unbelievably fun job and it makes me proud to be able to use the experience I have already gained in this position. My tasks in the OC include maintaining an overview and, together with my team, ensuring the best possible framework conditions for an unforgettable weekend in Seefeld.

Since 2019 I am working for the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) and was therefore able to fulfill a small dream of mine. I am working in the Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping divisions as Sports Coordinator and Youth Advisor, being in charge of the nominations of athletes for various competitions as well as coordinating accommodation, transport and trainings for our teams.

I am the direct contact person for all athletes and supervisors and assist the sports management as well as the state ski associations and clubs."

After Horst Hüttel resigned as Chairman of the Nordic Combined Committee, you have now taken over his role with immediate effect. What are your specific tasks?

Jacqueline Stark: "Horst has made a very important contribution to Nordic Combined for many years and I definitely want to build on that. 
My tasks include preparing the meetings in autumn and spring as well as to build up and strengthen the connection to the nations and our entire Nordic family. 
One of the most important points for me is the regular exchange of information because only if we are all working in the same direction, we are able to make the right decisions for the further development of Nordic Combined."

Which of your strengths will particularly help you in fulfilling these tasks?

Jacqueline Stark: "I am a woman of action! My strength lies in communication and direct implementation. I am very ambitious and result oriented in my work and way of thinking. It is important to me to put words into action and I rely on a very good interpersonal connection because connection is a powerful tool with which you can achieve a lot."

You are not only the first woman to chair the NC Committee, you are also the first ever Chairwoman of any FIS Committee. How important is this step on the way to gender equality at FIS?

Jacqueline Stark: "I firmly believe that this was a very important first step towards FIS’ Gender Equality. In general, sport is one of the most powerful platforms for promoting gender equality. 
The interaction between women and men is very important in the process because no matter the gender, everyone brings their strengths and can achieve great things.
I am convinced that we will make further progress in the future if we use everyone's skills accordingly, act as a community and treat each other with respect and in a spirit of partnership.

I am very proud to set a milestone as a woman and to be able to lead as a role model and I am really looking forward to any challenge that this position entails."

Have you set any goals for your new role? Or is there something that you would like to change/achieve?

Jacqueline Stark: "Due to the decision of the International Olympic Committee last year, Nordic Combined has to face many challenges. 
I would like to strengthen the connection between nations even more through a regular exchange of information and to develop the sport together. It is very important to me to be able to give back to our sport and to be able to make a corresponding contribution. 
We have to show the world how extraordinary and varied the sport of Nordic Combined is and how important the next steps are for us to offer the very young discipline of Nordic Combined women the opportunity to develop further and fulfill the athletes dream of participating in the Olympic Winter Games."