Press Release - Nominations for the 2006 Thomas Keller Medal

Nominations are now officially open for the 2006 Thomas Keller Medal which is awarded each year by the International Rowing Federation (FISA) for an “outstanding career in rowing”. The medal has been established as the highest honour in the sport of rowing and is presented to recognise an exceptional rowing career as well as exemplary sportsmanship.

Named after the late President of FISA, the medal was first awarded to the great Norwegian oarsman Alf Hansen in 1990. “This is the first time that nominations are open to the general public” said Matt Smith, FISA Executive Director. “We are pleased to involve more people in the nominations process, and hope that this will help promote this award, the highest distinction in our sport.”

The following five factors are taken into consideration when selecting the successful recipient:

Success on the international level, e.g., medal count taking level of competition into account;
?Type? of career ? e.g., overcoming obstacles, shortcomings;
Technical mastery of the sport, e.g., success in different boat types as well as sculling and sweep rowing;
Sportsmanship, e.g., Respect for others, attitude, character, ?smiling win or lose?;
?Legendary? aspect, e.g., how perceived by the rowing world and the world outside rowing.

All nomination forms, with justification of up to 250 words, must be received by FISA headquarters by 27 February 2006. The finalists will be selected by the Council and Commissions of FISA and this list will be submitted to the Keller Medal Committee on Friday 3 March 2006 for the final selection. The 18-carat gold Thomas Keller medal will be presented on Sunday 9 July during the Rowing World Cup final in Lucerne, Switzerland by Dominik Keller, son of the late Thomas Keller.

To download the official nominations form click here .

For more information please contact Marion Gallimore, FISA Marketing and Communications Manager at marion.gallimore@fisa.org or tel: +41 79 706 72 55