29th April 2010 02:10
When it comes to the sport of athletics, Hodler has done it all - from an athlete to coach, technical official to event organiser. Clearly, it's not for nothing that she is widely regarded as one of the most versatile person in Swiss Athletics.
As much as she is known for her administrative abilities, she is equally loved for her personality. And we can see why.
When she was named Switzerland's national winner for the inaugural Women's Leadership Award, the unassuming 53-year-old from Hinterkappelen said: 'I am very touched by this honour. I see the award as a thank you for my whole team, without them I could do nothing.'
When asked about her career from the perspective of a woman in athletics, Hodler was both genuine and fair.
'I grew up in a male dominated environment. And at a personal level, I was always fully accepted as a woman because I was not expecting any special treatment.'
'In Switzerland, the woman athletes are now already in the majority. However on the administrative side, we certainly have some catching up to do. But what men have done over decades, we cannot reach in a year or two. We need a little time. We need to learn to market ourselves better,' she added.
With three decades of experience on her back, people are bound to take note when Hodler talks.
Her association with athletics goes back to 1983.
'I was a young member of the Scout movement. When I was 23, I started my career as a sprinter. And soon I began working with some organisations in Bern as volunteer and gradually to positions involving higher responsibility,' she said.
Hodler currently serves in a variety of roles in sports, besides her part time occupation - sports teacher at a local school in her home town.
One of her roles is as the vice-president and head of staff of the organising committee for athletic competitions at three major clubs in Bern. Hodler, together with her team, organises 12-15 national and international athletics events each year.
She has over 1,000 volunteers working under her to organise a number of events in the region.
In addition, Hodler has spent a number of years as the head of personnel at the second biggest race in Switzerland - the 10 mile Grand Prix von Bern.
Hodler has also filled the roles of starter and umpire many times throughout her career. In order to continue serving in this manner, she will begin training to become an Area Technical Official (ATO) in the near future.
In all, Hodler is seen as a highly respected and accomplished figure in athletics today. Her dedication and commitment in each of the roles she has filled so far have led her to enjoy great popularity among colleagues, officials, and athletes both within Switzerland and internationally.
As for her biggest source of inspiration, Hodler ended with one important message.
'By the way, my husband is my biggest fan!'