Bert Isatitsch

Bert Isatitsch (September 14, 1911 – February 8, 1994) was an Austrian educator who later became the first president of the International Luge Federation (FIL), serving from its 1957 establishment until his 1994 death.

Education career Born in Fürstenfeld, Isatitsch became a special education teacher in Rottenmann. He later became chair for all special education schools in his native Austria. Isatitsch would use his skills as an educator to bring leadership into the growth of luge as an International Olympic Committee (IOC)-recognized sport. and was initially approved for inclusion at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, but its inclusion was postponed until the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck because of the American Luge Federation's lack of Olympic experience Natural track luge world championships would be added in 1979. He served until his sudden death on February 8, 1994. Josef Fendt of Germany succeeded Istatisch as president later that year.