Published on 3 April 2024

Elite sport RS 79

The concept of the Spitzensport-RS (military service / basic training) aims to optimally combine top-level sport with compulsory military service. With the help of this basic training the athletic build-up, the step to international success and the start of a professional career are being supported.

The inspection of the RS 2/25. — © KZSA

This specially designed basic training is held twice a year, each with up to 70 top athletes.

• Recruit school start 1 (winter sports athletes): april-august.
• Recruit school start 2 (summer sports athletes): november-march

The entire basic training takes place in Magglingen. During these 18 weeks, athletes can benefit from the infrastructures of the Federal Office of Sport (sports halls, gym, playing fields, sauna, etc.) and specialists are available for performance diagnostics. The entire medical area (doctor, physiotherapy, massage) during the basic training is covered by the Swiss Olympic Medical Center in Magglingen.

Courrent top-level sport recruit school

On Monday, 27 October 2025, 59 athletes begin their training at the elite sports recruit school in Magglingen. Thirty-nine men and 20 women from 21 different sports will benefit from excellent training conditions and a newly designed, elite sports-specific training programme over a period of 18 weeks.

• Spitzensport-RS_2_2025_Klassenliste_nach_Sportart

  PDF358.95 kB22 October 2025

• What to expect

  During the first 8 weeks, the recruits complete the general basic training and receive inputs on career management. At the same time, there is always enough time to pursue their own training. In the remaining 10 weeks, the recruits can then focus entirely on sports.

• Become a sports soldier

  The selection of sports soldiers is carried out in close cooperation between the respective sports federation, Swiss Olympic, the Federal Office of Sport (FOSPO) and the command of the top level sports recruit school.

• Structure

  General basic training & Career Management - Week 1-7

  During the first three weeks, recruits are trained in military etiquette, first aid and driving. At the same time, they receive an introduction to career management, including compulsory and optional modules on topics such as sponsorship, social media, nutrition, regeneration, sports promotion systems and anti-doping.Experts from Swiss Olympic hold individual career support meetings with the recruits to develop personalised career plans.

  The daily structure is divided into military training and sport-specific training, which takes place under the guidance of a trainer appointed by the association. After completing basic training, the programme includes at least two training sessions per day as well as additional training blocks such as soft skills, media and communication training, and massage training.

  Focus on performance improvement - Week 8-18

  In weeks 8 to 18, athletes can focus entirely on their training. In addition, they train where it is most optimal for them.

• Information about the promotion (Sold/Income replacement)

  In addition to optimal training conditions for individual performance improvement, the sports soldiers are also supported financially with paid service days (including income replacement and military insurance).

  Weitere Infos findest du auf dieser Seite (only in German): EO für Rekrutinnen und Rekruten

• Requirements and process

  Requirements

  • The athlete must be fit for service (note for recruitment: no sports soldier function possible).
  • Application by national federation
  • Potential for international success
  • Holder of Swiss Olympic Card Bronze/Silver/Gold (desired)
  • Commitment to long-term involvement in top level sport
  • Commitment to the Swiss Armed Forces
  • Commitment by the federation for the athlete
  • Selection by the Sports Centre of Competence in cooperation with Swiss Olympic and the federations.

  Process

  • 15 months before the start of the top level sports recruit school (Spitzensport-RS): Invitation to the federation to submit a list of athletes suitable from their point of view for the corresponding Spitzensport-RS to Swiss Olympic.
  • 14 months before the Spitzensport-RS: Submission of the list of eligible athletes by the sports federation to Swiss Olympic (-> forwarding to the SAF).
  • 13.5 months before the Spitzensport-RS: Invitation of the athletes to the information event(s) by the Sports Centre of Competence.
  • 12 months before the Spitzensport-RS: 3-4 information events of the top sports promotion of the SAF in the whole of Switzerland, in principle obligatory for athletes.
  • Subsequently: Selection of the athletes by the sports federations in the context of a personal interview with the athletes.
  • 10 months before the Spitzensport-RS: The federation submits its definitive entry list with all athletes selected by the sports federation to Swiss Olympic.
  • Subsequently: Swiss Olympic compiles the general overview with the registered athletes of all sports and makes a prioritization proposal taking into account the maximum capacities of the corresponding Spitzensport-RS.
  • 9 months before the Spitzensport-RS: Swiss Olympic, the federation and the SAF jointly determine the definitive list of athletes for the corresponding Spitzensport-RS. In exceptional cases, contact is made with the athletes.
  • 8 months before the Spitzensport-RS: communication of the final decision to the athletes by the Sports Centre of Competence (cc to the sports federation).

• Office ordinance / troop cook

  Another option is to be assigned as a troop cook or an office assistant. To reinforce the service operation, one troop cook and one office orderly per basic training complete their service in the Spitzensport-RS.
  In addition to the training and everyday work, the specialists have the opportunity to complete their sport-specific training every day. Training times are based on the needs of the service.The following requirements are required.

  Athletic Requirements

  • Holder of a Swiss Olympic Card
  • Member of a national junior squad / U21, U23 squad / elite squad
  • In the case of team sports: member of a national team / national league A (in exceptional cases national league B)
  • Sportsman / woman with national importance (e.g. Schwingen)

  Professional requirements of a troop cook

  • Cook
  • Baker-Confectioner
  • Butcher

  Professional requirements of an office assistant

  • Completed commercial apprenticeship
  • Civilian driving license

  Interested athletes must register with Sports Centre of Competence one year prior to their basic training using the form «Application for an Office Orderly / Troop Cook» via the sports federation.

  • Bewerbungsformular Trp Koch - Büroord

    Word86.55 kB27 March 2024