Setting the stage: the crucial role of forerunners

They make sure the course is ready, that the timekeeping works as it should and that everyone is at their assigned post. This is the invaluable job of forerunners at the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games.

If you’ve ever attended a snow sports World Cup live on site, you’ve probably seen them before. Maybe you’ve asked yourself, “Has the race started yet?”

The forerunners are celebrated just like the athletes who will be racing for glory. In addition to the task of testing whether the track is safe, they also get the crowd in the mood for the upcoming competition. One of the forerunners at these FISU Games is Italian snowboarder Caterina Carpano, herself an elite international athlete.

Different role

Carpano normally competes in the European Cup and World Cup as a snowboard cross racer. The 26-year-old is one of eight forerunners at the snowboard cross finals in Bardonecchia.

She crosses the finish line shortly before the start of the semi-final alongside three of her colleagues. “The four of us ride down just a few minutes before the athletes so we can check whether everything is working as it should or whether any adjustments need to be made. It’s better to know it before so that the race is fair afterwards.”

When choosing the forerunners, it is important that they ride at similar speeds to the athletes. This is the only way for organisers to ensure that the jumps and waves work and that the competitors are not exposed to unnecessary risks. It is therefore not uncommon for World Cup or European Cup athletes to be at the start gate in that crucial role.

Here to support

While the rest of the forerunners make their way directly down to the station, Carpano lies down in the snow with her snowboard in the finish area. “I’m done with my job today, now I’m here to support my friends and teammates.”

As soon as her Italian teammates Marika Savoldelli and Sofia Groblechner cross the finish line, she hugs them both, celebrating with the former about having qualified for the women’s big final, while comforting the latter, who is disappointed about missing her chance. Everyone is there for each other.

FISU Games at home a boost for snowboard cross

This winter, the FISU Games are back in their birthplace in Torino, where the first edition of the Summer Games took place in 1959. Not only is it an unforgettable experience for Italian athletes to compete in such a major sporting event in their home country, but the event also gives lesser-known sports the opportunity to gain more exposure.

Snowboard cross is one such sport. “I hope that we can reach more people through the Winter Games and show them what a great sport it is. It’s so incredibly exciting to watch the competitions because it’s never clear who will win until the very end,” said Carpano. “I hope that I can help to promote the sport more and make it better known.”

When asked what it means to her to have the FISU World University Games at home in Italy, the athlete replied with a smile, “I can try the track and do my own training at the same time.”

In addition to her own advantages, she also believes Torino is the perfect place to host these Games. “Everyone is doing their best and wants to give the student-athletes an unforgettable experience. We have so many incredibly organised volunteers on site and the perfect facilities in which the individual competitions can be held.” You can definitely tell that she enjoys being a part of it.

The take place from 13-23 January. Watch all the competitions live on . Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Elena Häfliger, FISU Young Reporter, Switzerland

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.

We warmly thank FISU Official Partner Qiaodan Ltd. which provides remarkable uniforms to FISU Family and International Technical Officials since 2015. Qiaodan is a valuable partner for FISU as it continued to provide its support during the postponement of events due to the global pandemic, and recently extended the relationship with FISU up to and including 2025.