Ivar Holmquist

Lieutenant General Carl Axel Fredrik Ivar Holmquist (22 February 1879 – 24 September 1954) was a senior Swedish Army officer and sports official. He was president of the International Ski Federation from 1924 to 1934 and served as Chief of the Swedish Army during World War II.
Holmquist, embarked on a career spanning from his commissioning in 1899 to his tenure as Chief of the Army from 1940 to 1944. Notable milestones include his service in various roles within the Royal Swedish Army Staff College and his command of the Norrbotten Regiment and the Northern Army Division. Rising through the ranks, he attained the position of lieutenant general in 1940. Beyond his military career, Holmquist was deeply involved in sports administration, particularly skiing. He co-founded the International Ski Federation (FIS) and served as its inaugural president from 1924 to 1934. Additionally, he played pivotal roles in promoting cross-country skiing in Sweden and advocating for alpine skiing’s introduction in the country. His leadership extended to chairing organizations like the Association for the Promotion of Cross-country Skiing in Sweden and the Norrbotten Landstorm Association. Holmquist’s legacy endures through his significant contributions to both the military and sports domains.