American Birkebeiner

For the past 8 years, Juha Viljamaa from Lahti, Finnland, was the representing face of popular cross-country skiing. During the Annual General Meeting 2016 in Lahti, he got elected as President of the Worldloppet International Skifederation. Now after two periods he is handing over this position. 

The Worldloppet Member races’ delegations have met this weekend in Sapporo, Japan – the venue of Sapporo Skimarathon – for the Annual General Meeting. During this meeting, the delegates voted on a new president. There where two candidates: Ben Popp, from the American Birkebeiner and Leszek Kosiorowski from the Polish Bieg Piastow. 

Ben Popp elected as new Worldloppet President

The delegates voted for Ben Popp, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner, Americas Worldloppet member race. The Birkie plays a big role for the Federation, as Wisconsin is the place of birth of the Worldloppet idea back in 1978. 

Now with the election of Ben Popp as Worldloppet President for the upcoming 4 years, the relation between Worldloppet and the American Birkebeiner will be even stronger. 

“Worldloppet is somehow coming home to Wisconsin now. I am honored being the new president and I am excited to bring amazing opportunities to all skiers around the world.”, says the new president.

The office of Worldloppet will remain in Tartu, Estonia with Epp Paal continuing running it. Also Gunnar Zlöbl will remain as Communication Manager, same as Gaidi Ellermaa-Levo as secretary. 

Ben Popp

Nationality: USA
Home: Spooner, Wisconsin
Age: 49
Race: Birkie
Position: Executive Director
Master status: 6/10 Worldloppet races