Swiss politicians make sport part of their lives

From boxing and marathons to football and skiing, sport has long been part of the routines of seven Swiss political figures, SRF reports. The profile comes as VBS holds its traditional sports reception at the Federal Palace on Monday to honour Swiss medal winners.

Beat Jans

Beat Jans is a passionate football fan, whether watching FC Basel or playing himself. A handball player in his youth, he still enjoys football and became the first serving federal councillor to play for FC Nationalrat, a football team. He says playing together helps overcome political divisions: after matches, players from different parties shower and have a beer together.

Ruth Metzler-Arnold

Sport has always played a key role for Swiss Olympic president Ruth Metzler-Arnold. As a young athlete, she sprinted in the 400-metre hurdles and reached a regional squad, then coached young athletes. After leaving government, she completed several marathons. She now keeps fit with running, skiing, golf, climbing and horse riding. A local gymnastics club also helped her settle in after she moved to Appenzell and build a network there.

Kurt Furgler

Kurt Furgler’s rise was closely linked to handball. In 1942, he founded the handball section of TSV St. Otmar St. Gallen and went on to spend decades at the club as a player, coach and tactician, helping it win league titles. When he was elected in 1971, he was still wearing a cast after meniscus surgery. In 1986, he opened the Handball World Championship at St. Gallen’s Kreuzbleiche hall.

Karin Keller-Sutter

Karin Keller-Sutter does not head for the ski slopes, but goes to a boxing gym every Monday. She says boxing requires coordination, discipline and strategic thinking, including controlling an opponent and remaining defensively stable until the right moment to attack. The intensive training helps her clear her mind.

Ueli Maurer

Ueli Maurer’s sporting interests have strong military roots. A former major and commander of a cycling battalion, he developed a passion for cycling. In 1996, he tested his endurance in the Frauenfelder Waffenlauf, a military race. He also cycles and cross-country skis, and supports YB and HC Ambri-Piotta.

Alain Berset

Alain Berset grew up in a family of runners: his mother was a marathon champion and his father a strong long-distance runner. Berset became a junior champion in the 800 metres. One standout memory was competing in the event at Athletissima in Lausanne in 1994, when he witnessed Leroy Burrell’s 100-metre world record. He ended his running career after nine years. In his private life, the former federal councillor is a licensed sports pilot.

Adolf Ogi

Former federal councillor and UN special adviser Adolf Ogi follows a daily exercise routine. While in office, he used to get up at 4:45 a.m. to start the day with a run. Now over 80, he stays fit with runs in the woods, days skiing and gymnastics. He is also known for doing a headstand each morning. Inspired by a meeting with ski star Jean-Claude Killy in 1968, Ogi kept up the practice for decades, spending five to seven minutes upside down to reflect on the previous day and sharpen his mind.