Portrait of Bernhard Foidl
Some always start the day in the office with a cup of coffee, others first study the daily newspapers before getting down to work - and Bernhard Foidl always greets all journalists in the press center in Hochfilzen during the Biathlon World Cup with the same words: "Hello everyone and welcome to Hochfilzen."
For 18 years now, the 44-year-old native of Tyrol has been the press spokesman for the Hochfilzen Biathlon World Cup and has also been responsible as the ÖSV's media chief for several years. Well before the World Cup, the preparation begins with the coordination between the IBU, the federation, the Ogrga team, and the media representatives. Among other things, press releases, accreditation applications and much more must be sent out so that the process then runs smoothly on site at the World Cup. "For us journalists, Bernhard is a good and long-standing acquaintance because you can always rely on him and he always tries to do justice to everyone. Nothing is too much for him." said Rainer Rosenbaum, director of ARD. At the 2017 Biathlon World Championships in Hochfilzen, he was the contact person for around 100 journalists of the writing guild and about 40 photographers from all over the world. In addition, there was also television and radio.
So a working day can sometimes be longer:
At six o'clock, the press officer gets up and makes his way to the stadium. Then he looks through the newspapers in which the World Cup or the championship is reported. He sorts the press releases and prepares the daily press review. He always keeps an eye on his smartphone and tablet. Around nine o'clock, there is usually a meeting with his team from the press center and the closest employees. Tasks such as making phone calls, organizing interviews, preparing press conferences and arranging individual interviews are on his daily to-do list. In addition, there is the results service and the start lists for the individual races. "With an ideal daily schedule, you have most of the things for the next day off the table before dinner" reports Bernhard Foidl. But that is only possible in 20 to 30 percent of cases. Often, arrangements and various other things such as interviews or photo shoots still have to be made and organized after dinner. "And of course I also try to watch the one or other race during the day, if time permits." Adds the press officer with a smile.
Around 10 p.m., the press chief's workday is usually over and he then enjoys a good sip of wine. The media colleagues are always happy to come to the press center in Hochfilzen and this is also largely due to Bernhard. He is always ready, he can be reached day and night, it is said, and his working day has probably not only eight or ten hours, but much more and for this he earns great respect.
Sometimes, of course, Bernhard Foidl also seems tense when the phone rings non-stop and once again everything and everyone wants to know something from him. But he tries to serve everyone and this makes him so likeable in his way. And so everyone is already looking forward to next year's biathlon world cup in Hochfilzen.
Pictures: K. Voigt Fotografie