Swiss Stories

Ajla Del Ponte, Sarah Atcho, Mujinga Kanbundji et Salomé Kora

Swiss sprinters: the women's dream team

Society
Fourth at the last World Championships in Doha in 2019, the Swiss women in the 4 x 100 metres relay will be aiming for a medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. They represent Switzerland and have roots in Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Congo and Bosnia, which is also their strength.

by Bertrand Monnard

André Borschberg

André Borschberg - Turning obstacles into opportunities

Environment
Engineer, entrepreneur, CEO, accomplished pilot: this broad set of talents has enabled Switzerland's André Borschberg, co-founder of Solar Impulse, to play a key role in making this plane without fuel a reality.
“Mayaguana” bag © Exuma

Seven designers setting the style in Switzerland

Economics
The Swiss fashion and accessory scene has produced its fair share of designers, who are able to give expression to new and unexpected ideas. A passion for all things Swiss is driven by fashion events that put the spotlight on these designers’ craft and by the country’s art schools, which have become a true breeding ground for up-and-coming designers.

by Vanessa Hambaryan

paul grueninger

The police commander who saved hundreds of Jews

History
As Jewish refugees attempted to flee from Austria to Switzerland, Paul Grüninger, commander of the St Gallen police, disobeyed orders in order to help them. He would pay dearly for it.
The Ocean Mapping Expedition_ Swiss sailing boat Fleur de Passion

Tracing Magellan's route

Environment
In April 2015, the Fleur de Passion, a 33-metre ketch, embarked on a four-year circumnavigation of the globe, following the route taken by famous Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
Sebastian, Gert-Jan, Grégoire and David

Swiss neurotechnology

Science & Education
Paraplegics are being given new hope by Swiss researchers who have come up with a technological breakthrough that is helping people who have suffered spinal cord injuries to walk again.

by Lea Huszno

Swiss made plastic house

Upcycling: Swiss made plastic house

Environment
Switzerland is often cited as a model for recycling because of the rubbish collection, waste separation and waste recovery methods deployed. Public bodies, research institutes, companies and citizens are taking action to reduce their impact on the environment and society. Businesses are innovating and developing technologies for resource management, rubbish collection and recycling more effectively with a view to creating a more circular economy.