Anne MerklingerOTTAWA – Former Universiade silver medallist Anne Merklinger (1979 SU) was named chief executive officer of the Canadian organization ‘Own The Podium’.
‘Own The Podium’ divides about $70 million annually in federal government funding between summer and winter sport, so the former Universiade participant now holds one of the most powerful positions in Canadian sport.
This is the second time OTP is run by a former Universiade star. Merklinger was OTP’s director of summer sport under former CEO Alex Baumann, who stepped down Oct. 1 to take a similar position in the New Zealand sport system. Baumann, Olympic Champion and World Record holder in Swimming, is also a former Universiade champion (2 gold at 1983 SU). In 2009 Baumann attended the FISU Executive Committee meeting inBrusselsas a member of the Bidding Committee for the 2015 SU candidature of Edmonton.
OTP oversees many aspects of an elite athlete’s life in between Olympic Games and works in concert with the Canadian Olympic Committee. The COC prepares athletes for the Games environment and looks after their needs on the ground at Games.
The selection of Merklinger provides continuity in the organization, particularly in summer sport with the Summer Games just a few months from now in London.
Merklinger curled in four Scotties Tournaments of Hearts and skipped Ontario to the final in 1998 and 2000. She swam on the Canadian team from 1977 to 1981 and won a silver medal in breaststroke at the 1979 World University Games in Mexico City. She’s been a sports administrator for over 20 years. In addition to running the canoe and kayak association, Merklinger has worked with Special Olympics Canada and the Commission for Inclusion of Athletes with a Disability, as well as serving as president of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation from 2001 to 2004.
(Source: OTP)
Alex Baumann presenting the Edmonton Bid