Induction into the World Curling Hall of Fame is the highest ‘non-playing’ honour that the World Curling Federation can bestow on someone and recognises outstanding contribution to the sport of curling whether through on ice exploits or off ice endeavours.
2012 was the first year the WCF accepted nominations for this honour.
Previously, the WCF presented the World Curling Freytag Award to recognise outstanding contribution to the sport.
From 2012 inductees into the World Curling Hall of Fame will be presented with the Freytag Medal to mark their induction.
Previous winners of the Elmer Freytag Award and the World Curling Freytag Award have all been inducted to the World Curling Hall of Fame.
There are two classes of honour:
Curler: Demonstrated World Championship level playing ability, sportsmanship and character, and who has achieved extraordinary distinction and outstanding results in the sport of curling.
Builder: Given distinguished service and has made a major contribution to the development and advancement of curling internationally.
There is no requirement to induct members into the Hall of Fame each year, the honour will bestowed on merit.
About the 2012 Inductees:
Jean-Paul Bidaud (Switzerland) has been honoured in the World Curling Hall of Fame for his commitment to the sport of curling, in particular the work that he undertook with the International Olympic Committee. Jean-Paul played a pivotal role in the introduction of curling into the Olympic programme, having built a strong relationship with IOC President Juan-Antonio Samaranch, and showcasing curling to the world.
Elisabet Gustafson (Sweden) is one of curling’s most successful athletes. She has won more World Women’s Curling Championship titles than any other female athlete, winning on four occasions (1992, 1995, 1998 & 1999). She has four European Championship gold medals, all won during her golden era, skipping the Swedish women’s team during the 1990s. To add to her championship triumphs, Elisabet is a two-time Olympian, winning bronze in 1998 in Nagano, Japan and latterly finishing sixth in 2002 before she retired from the sport.
Günther Hummelt (Austria) (1931-2010) was involved in almost every capacity of curling. Following a playing and coaching career, Günther established curling clubs in Germany and Austria, as well as helping to set up the Austrian Curling Association. Günther will be remembered for his time with the International Curling Federation, and latterly of the World Curling Federation. He was WCF President from 1990 until 2000 and led the WCF committee which lobbied to achieve Olympic medal status for curling.
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