November 23rd 1958 — Vienna Extraordinary FISA congress inspired the Swiss conglomerate for sport timing, “Swiss Timing”, for more than a quarter of a century (from 1972 to 1989). A gifted skier, he was a member of the Swiss universities team for combined nordic skiing and ski-jumping, before becoming Swiss champion several times over in his favourite sport, rowing (five times in single or double sculls), and a bronze medallist in single sculls at the 1950 European championships. Chosen to row in the 1956 Olympic Games, he was extremely upset by the decision of his NOC not to send a team to Melbourne. While still remaining a member of the Swiss national team, he prepared to devote himself to sports administration. Two years later, he became president of FISA. Still an active athlete himself, he made it his prin ciple always to give priority to the interests of the competitors; an ax iom which was forever to be his guideline. Elected president of the General Association of International Sports Federations in 1969, he was to stay at the head of that major sports organisation for seven teen years, before becoming its honorary life president. August 14th—16 th 1959 — Macon 6th women’s European championships The FISA family returned to one of its traditional haunts. Preliminary heats Thomas Keller Thomas Keller, one of Switzerland’s best oarsmen of the decade, still competing at a very high level, was called upon to become president of FISA. Born in December, 1924, he was to become one of the youngest presidents of an international sports federation ever to be elected. Gaston Walbaum (ARG), one of the FISA vice-presi dents, had nominated Jacques Spreux for the office. The latter declined to stand for the post, and asked his sup porters to vote for T. Keller. The president and the vice- president were therefore elected by acclamation and by show of hands. The principle of holding world championships every four years was accepted. Final approval of this was post poned until 1961, to give the national federations the op portunity to make their views known. The admission of the German Democratic Republic was turned down. On the consultative technical commission, Alfredo Boc- calatte (ITA) replaced his compatriot, M. Severi, who had died. Stefan Marchlewski (POL) was also elected to the commission. The congress, working rapidly, was declared closed at 6pm. However, discussions were continued in a lively manner far into the night in a cafe on the outskirts of Vienna. Thomas Keller (SUI), president of FISA from 1958 until his death in 1989. Born on December 24th, 1924, in Zurich (SUI). A chemical en gineer, industrialist and company director, he presided over and 4 +: 7 crews entered — 6 started El: 1. HUN 2. GER 3. TCH 4. SWE Eli: 1. URS 2. POL - ROM (scratached) The Romanian crew, having been held up at the frontier, did not arrive in time for its eliminator. It was admitted to the repechage. R. 1. ROM 2. POL 3. GER 4. TCH 5. SWE lx: 10 entered - 8 crews started EL 1. HUN 2. FRA 3. TCH 4. GER Eli: 1. AUT 2. BEL - ROM (scratched) EDI: 1. URS 2. NED - ITA (scratched) RI: 1. FRA 2. GER RII: 1. NED 2. TCH 3. BEL 4x + : 5 crews - No eliminators 2x: 6 crews entered - 5 started El: 1. URS 2. TCH 3. POL Eli: 1. ROM 2. GER - ROM (scratched) Another Romanian crew was allowed into the repechage. R. 1. ROM 2. GER 3. TCH 4. POL 8 +: 5 crews — No eliminators Finals 4 + : 1. URS 2. ROM 3. HUN 4. POL 5. GER At the start, Poland was ahead of Romania, who later spurted and took the lead at 500 metres, with the Soviet crew second. Then, at 750 metres, the Soviet and the Hungarian crews forged ahead, the former gaining a clear advantage. lx: 1. HUN 2. URS 3. AUT 4. NED 5. FRA Jenome Papp held on to her title in the final sprint. Part 3 119
