Sarah Lewis had been Secretary General of the International Ski Federation (Fis) since 2000 when the board voted her out in October with immediate effect.

A press release then stated a "total lack of confidence" as the cause, but that wording was later removed.

Information to SVT Sport says that the reason was that the board thought she had focused on running a chairman's campaign instead of her duties as secretary general.

"Did not discuss with me"

The accusations now hit the 56-year-old British woman back against.

- Just all the time, I exercised my role as Secretary General.

I really was not lobbying or discussing a campaign.

It had to wait until later, she says and continues:

- It was not discussed with me that I should step down from the role of Secretary General.

And honestly, I never considered it.

If it was a problem, I assumed someone would bring it up with me.

Lewis says she has not received any concrete explanation as to why she was allowed to leave.

- What was said was that the board had lost confidence in me, but no specific reasons.

It has only been possible to speculate that it was related to the fact that the election was waiting.

Maybe I'm not a person that the current management wants to succeed in the presidential election.

- I also told Fis' board that I am aware that my leadership style, where I really live with Fis and the sport, is not everyone's style.

"Only good things to say"

The British have no resentment towards Fis and the people there.

- I only have good things to say.

It has been my home and family for the past 27 years.

It's an important part of my life.

Now they have made the decision and I really have no problem with anyone.

I understand that this can happen.

I have accepted it and moved on.

Lewis is one of four who have announced their candidacy for president.

The others are: Mats Årjes, vice chairman of Fis and chairman of the Swedish Olympic Committee, billionaire Johan Eliasch who is the CEO of a major ski brand and the chairman of the Swiss Ski Association Urs Lehmann.

KLIPP: Why Fis Secretary General was fired (October 13)

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Sarah Lewis was deposed as Secretary General of the International Ski Federation, Fis.

Photo: Bildbyrån