The team of the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF) is growing: last month, the GEF welcomed Simon Geinoz as the new Case Manager. In this key role, Simon will focus on reviewing and investigating reports of FIG rules violations.
Protecting sport and athletes
Simon holds a Swiss law degree and joins the Foundation from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) where, for the last decade, he played an instrumental role in the evolution of the UCI Anti-Doping programme - first as legal counsel, and then as Manager and finally Head of the UCI Legal Anti-Doping Services.
“After more than 13 years at the UCI, including ten dedicated to the fight against doping and the protection of clean athletes, I wanted to explore new avenues, discover a new working environment and meet new challenges,” explained Simon about this new professional chapter. He added:
“However, it was essential to me to stay within the Olympic movement and to continue to protect the sport and athletes in an independent and serious structure.”
Alex McLin, Director of the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation, said:
“It’s great to have Simon on board. We have seen a continuous increase in cases throughout the last few years and it’s essential that we have the bandwidth to deal with the reports brought to our attention in a timely and thorough manner, in line with our strategic framework Gymnasts 2028. I am convinced that Simon’s experience in sports law and in protecting athletes will be a great asset to our team.”
Strategic framework Gymnasts 2028 – strengthening capacity
One strategic priority of Gymnasts 2028 is to strengthen capacity and capability to manage grievance mechanisms and disciplinary systems in the sport of gymnastics by upholding the duty to respond, assess and report with the appropriate balance of urgency, thoroughness and effectiveness.
Simon has followed the Foundation’s evolution since its inception in 2019:
“Protecting all participants within the sport is part of my DNA, simply because I would like that my two children can play their sport in a safe, clean and fair environment. Consequently, joining the GEF was an obvious step.”
“I sincerely hope that I will be able to contribute to a safer and fairer gymnastics environment for today’s and future generations. Moreover, I also look forward to assisting the GEF to evolve and to continue to lead the way.”
Passionate about sports
Raised in Switzerland with two younger brothers in an intercultural environment with a Japanese mother and a Swiss father, Simon has always had a passion for sport. As a young child he played basketball and football, and then spent 15 years playing and coaching volleyball. Today he enjoys mountain biking in summer, skiing in winter, and spending time with his family.