From the Arena to the Assembly: Floorball Star Michael Walthard Enters Bassersdorf Political Race
Bassersdorf, Switzerland – December 15, 2025 – In a surprising turn of events, former Swiss national floorball team player Michael Walthard has announced his candidacy for the Bassersdorf local council in the upcoming 2026 municipal elections. This breaking news adds another layer of excitement to an already competitive race, bringing a fresh, non-partisan voice to the political landscape. This development is particularly noteworthy as it completes the candidate pool for all political committees, ensuring a full slate of options for voters. For those following Swiss politics, this is a story that highlights a growing trend: athletes leveraging their public profile and leadership skills for public service.
Michael Walthard in action during his NLA career. (Archive photo: Heinz Diener)
A Champion on and Off the Court
Walthard, 53, is a well-known figure in Bassersdorf, particularly within the sports community. He enjoyed a distinguished career as a defender, achieving both cup and Swiss championship titles. His nine years representing Switzerland on the national floorball team cemented his status as one of the sport’s greats. Now, he’s trading his stick for a platform, bringing his dedication and competitive spirit to the realm of local governance. Currently working as a timber construction expert, Walthard is running as an independent candidate, promising a fresh perspective free from traditional party constraints.
The Bassersdorf Election Landscape: A Full Slate of Candidates
The addition of Walthard during the grace period means Bassersdorf voters will have a robust selection of candidates to choose from. A total of ten individuals are vying for the seven seats on the local council. Here’s a look at the full list:
- Sascha Balmer-Bühler (Middle/New), Entrepreneur
- Richard Dark (IG Basi/previously), aviation employee
- Team has arrived (independent/previously), research assistant
- Adrian Hediger (SP/previously), lawyer
- Daniel Hofmann (FDP/previously), business analyst
- Alexandra Lukas (FDP/new), head of negotiations
- Linda Maduz (SP/new), political scientist and vocational school teacher
- Christian Pfaller (SVP/previously), entrepreneur
- Biagio Rizzo (SVP/new), entrepreneur and civil engineering draftsman
- Michael Walthard (independent/new), expert in timber construction and professional trainer
The mayoral race will see a contest between Sascha Balmer-Bühler (Middle/New) and Christian Pfaller (SVP/previously). Further down the ballot, competition is also fierce for positions on the Accounting and Audit Commission (RGPK) and the School maintenance committee.
The Athlete-Politician Trend: Why Sports Stars are Entering the Political Arena
Walthard isn’t alone in making the transition from sports to politics. Across the globe, we’re seeing a growing number of athletes stepping into the political arena. This trend is fueled by several factors. Athletes often possess strong leadership skills, a proven ability to work under pressure, and a high degree of public recognition. They are accustomed to teamwork, discipline, and strategic thinking – qualities that translate well to the demands of public office. Furthermore, their existing platform allows them to quickly connect with voters and raise awareness about important issues. Walthard’s wife, Andrea Walthard-Bösch, herself a former NLA floorball player and current member of the social welfare authority for the FDP, exemplifies this growing dynamic within the Bassersdorf political scene.
Beyond the Local Council: Other Key Races in Bassersdorf
The Bassersdorf elections aren’t limited to the local council and mayoral positions. Voters will also be choosing representatives for the Accounting and Audit Commission (RGPK) and the School maintenance committee. Here’s a quick overview of those races:
- RGPK (Accounting and Audit Commission): Christian Schmid (independent) is vying to succeed Lukas Müller, facing competition from Doko Star (FDP), Güven Durgut (non-partisan), Michael Fenaroli (non-partisan), Annalia Gallo (SP), Axel Luyten (SP), and Joel Winteler (non-partisan).
- School maintenance: Marcus Adam (SP), Merita Bedija (non-partisan), Walter Bleuler (non-partisan), Maureen Glesti (FDP), Sercin Hitz (non-partisan), Silvana Müller (non-partisan), and Jennifer Furrow (non-partisan) are competing for four seats.
- Social authority: Sandra Riklin (GLP), Gerhard Roth (SVP), Karin Ruedi (EDU), Vital ingredients (SP), and Andrea Walthard-Bösch (FDP) are running for four seats.
With a complete slate of candidates now in place, Bassersdorf residents have a clear picture of the choices before them. The 2026 municipal elections promise to be a dynamic and engaging contest, and Michael Walthard’s entry adds an exciting new dimension to the race. As voters prepare to head to the polls, the question remains: can this former floorball champion translate his success on the court into success in the council chambers?
Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of the Bassersdorf municipal elections and in-depth profiles of all the candidates. We’ll be providing the latest updates, analysis, and insights to help you make an informed decision on election day. Explore our politics section for more breaking news and expert commentary.