Thomas Keller (rowing)

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Thomas Keller also known as Thomi Keller (1924–1989) was president of FISA the governing board for international rowing from 1958 until his death in 1989. A chemical engineer, industrialist and company director, he presided over and inspired the Swiss conglomerate for sport timing, “Swiss Timing” for more than a quarter of a century (from 1972 to 1989).

In his youth, he was a gifted skier and was a member of the Swiss university team for combined Nordic skiing and ski-jumping. It was in rowing, however, that he truly excelled. He was Swiss champion several times over (five times in single or double scull), and a Bronze medallist in single scull at the 1950 European Championships.

Keller was chosen to row at the 1956 Summer Olympics, but his national Olympic Committee chose to boycott the games in protest of the Soviet Union's invasion of Hungary (see 1956 Hungarian Revolution). The Swiss Olympic Committee later reversed its decision, but it was too late to arrange transport to the games in Melbourne, Australia. This decision prompted Keller to become involved in sports administration. Two years later, he became president of FISA. At 34 years of age he was one of the youngest presidents of an international sports federation ever to be elected. Keller's principle was that the athletetic contests were for the athletes, and their interests came first.

The Thomas Keller Medal is named after him. It is presented by FISA to a recently retired rower(s) who has had an outstanding international career.