Introduction

I am Eric Kindler and have been involved in sports from a young age. Excelling in just about any sport I played, I was fortunate to almost always have positive and successful experiences in the world of sports. Playing essentially four sports until high school, I was constantly going from practices to games, or even from one practice to another in the same evening. Growing up, I had strong ties to soccer as well as American football, and through these sports, I was able to play college football as a kicker and punter at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. The football team there was quite successful, and during the four years I competed, we achieved three National Championships (2010, 2011, 2013). Throughout all of the football success, Fistball was always going on in the background, so to speak. In fact, in 2011, I left the Fistball World Championships a little early just to get back for the start of the football season camp. I have been fortunate to compete on the United States Fistball National Team since 2007 and have been on the team for all of the World Championships since.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry - 2014 - University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

Professional activities

Research Scientist - Siegfried - 4 years

Sports admin functions

• International Fistball Association Athlete's Commission - 6 years
• International Fistball Association Referee's Commission - 2 years 
• United States Fistball Association Board Member - 5 years

Awards

2016 Outdoor Fistball Austrian National Champion - Kremsmuenster (Club)

The World Games

8th Place in Fistball at The World Games 2022

World Championships

9th (2023), 10th (2019), 8th (2015), 9th (2011), and 11th (2007) at the Fistball World Championships

World Cup

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Olympic Games

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As a member of the International Fistball Association Athlete's Commission, I strive to improve event management and athlete care. By joining the IWGA Athlete's Commission, I aim to bring a unique perspective and gain insights to bring back to our international federation to improve conditions for our athletes.

Q1 Why are you running as a candidate for the IWGA AC?

I am striving to better all event management and care for the athletes in IWGA sports.

Q2 What experience do you have that you would bring to the IWGA AC?

I was a part of multiple NCAA National Championships in the sport of American Football and have experienced well-run events. I also have years of experience at IFA World Championship events.

Q3 Why should your fellow athletes vote for you?

I have been in high-level sport for 15 years, and as most would understand, experience beats talent almost every time.

Q4 What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an athlete?

The biggest challenge has always been the lack of money in our sport. I have seen what good organization can do when money isn't the main problem.

Q5 How did you become involved in sport?

I started playing soccer at an early age.

Q6 How has sport had an impact on your life?

Sport has given me incredible experiences and many life lessons. One of the most valuable has been learning how to collaborate with others.

Q7 What would be your top three priorities if you were elected?

Review the existing non-negotiable needs for athletes at events. Understand what other sports, beyond fistball, need at events. Continue to work with FICS.

Q8 Describe your personality in three words:

Calm, analytical, consistent

Q9 What are you passionate about?

Family, sports, and camaraderie

Q10 Why is the athletes’ voice important to you?

It is important to me to give back to the world of sport because of how much it has given me. Speaking for the athletes around the world is just one way I can give back to sport.