More than sport

Taking place from 24-28 August, the Forum demonstrated the increasingly important role universities can play in developing athletes as people, rather than simply performers.

Student-athlete pathways were a major theme, particularly the challenge of combining education and elite sport. Emma Nilsson, a biathlon student-athlete studying economics at Mid Sweden University, described education as her “third discipline” alongside skiing and shooting.

“Being both a student and an athlete is the right balance for me,” she said, highlighting how academic study can also provide valuable perspective when sporting performance does not go to plan.

The wider debate went further. Laura Capranica, President of the European Athlete as Student network, argued that “Dual Career is a human right”, linking access to sport and education while emphasising that responsibility towards athletes should continue beyond their competitive careers.

Preparing students for an AI world

Technology and artificial intelligence provided another forward-looking dimension to the Forum.

Hans Westerbeek, Professor of International Sport Business at Victoria University in Melbourne, warned that today’s students experience AI very differently from previous generations.

“AI is not a tool students pick up, it’s the water they swim in,” he said.

Westerbeek argued that while AI can erode sustained attention and critical thinking, sport can rebuild qualities including cognitive resilience and executive function. His message to FISU was equally direct: “FISU must protect physical presence as the product – AI is the scaffolding, not the stage!”

From discussion to action

Importantly, students were not simply an audience. More than 30 FISU Student Ambassadors participated in workshops, training and plenary sessions before developing their own projects.

Eight groups ultimately presented proposals covering student wellbeing, education, para sport and environmental sustainability. Ideas included a FISU Para-Sport Ambassadors Programme, a wellbeing “Locker Room”, sustainability ambassadors and an Eco Event Accreditation framework designed specifically for university sport.

FISU President Leonz Eder captured the philosophy behind the week when he told the students: “You are our inspiration. Us in leadership are no better than any of you, just more experienced!”

Verena Burk, FISU Vice-President and Chair of the Education Committee also shared her satisfaction. “The importance of this forum is measured in what we take home from it. We have spent five inspiring days here, now let’s turn our ideas into actions!”

Strengthening the pathway with FIS

The Forum also came shortly after FISU strengthened its relationship with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), signing a new collaboration agreement on 17 August. The partnership aims to better align university sport with the international snow sports pathway, while supporting athlete development, education, integrity, sustainability and innovation.

Both FISU and FIS currently sit outside the Global Sustainable Sport SPI Purpose Podiums. Yet the activities highlighted in Östersund – particularly around inclusion, student wellbeing, sustainability, education and collaboration, demonstrate areas where FISU is building greater purpose into its work.

The challenge now is converting the ideas generated by students in Östersund into measurable action and impact. As the Forum moves to Brasilia in 2028, that may ultimately prove the most important legacy of all.