Latest news with #Samaranch
France 24
15 hours ago
- Politics
- France 24
Samaranch Senior -- controversial diplomat who saved the Olympics
Samaranch Senior -- whose son of the same name finished runner-up to Coventry in the IOC presidential election in March -- did, like Coventry, serve in a controversial regime prior to being elected in 1980. While Coventry has been sports and arts minister in a Zimbabwean government whose election in 2023 was declared unfair and undemocratic by international observers, Samaranch served at a high level in the fascist Spanish regime of General Francisco Franco. His IOC presidency, which ran from 1980-2001, will for some be forever overshadowed by the 'votes for favours' scandal surrounding the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. However, to other more measured voices he is the saviour of the Games who transformed it from a movement at risk of extinction into a vibrant and financially healthy behemoth. "His legacy is that we have an Olympic Games to talk about," former IOC marketing executive Terrence Burns told AFP. "He saved it from financial and political ruin." Samaranch Senior's earlier career exercised many people when he was IOC chief. After Franco's death and the restoration of the monarchy, Samaranch Senior went on to be ambassador to the Soviet Union. "I recognised that my political career in Spain was over," said Samaranch Senior, who always insisted he was not a fascist. It was in Moscow at the 1980 Games, overshadowed by a boycott because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, that he was elected president of the IOC. The IOC members' faith in him was more than repaid. "Within the IOC I think the Samaranch legacy is fully understood: that he saved the Olympic Movement," former IOC marketing chief Michael Payne told AFP. His success was developing "the business model", which included a TV strategy and "the creation of the TOP programme, the most successful (sports) marketing programme ever," he added. Payne worked closely with him and said he was a different personality to his son in that he was "more a listener" than Samaranch Junior, who is a "great communicator." "He was very introverted, a great listener, didn't do a lot of talking, and a great strategic thinker," said Payne. "But because he wasn't at the forefront, communicating and explaining, he was often misunderstood. "He only learned English as his third or fourth language when he was 60." 'I cannot regret' Payne said Samaranch's leadership shone through during the Salt Lake City scandal. Six members were to be expelled and Samaranch also oversaw a series of reforms to prevent a repeat of the situation. "He was calm under unbelievable pressure and stress," said the 66-year-old Irishman. "Honestly, you went to the office every day and you didn't know if the organisation would survive... And that was for three months. "It was brutal. And yet, Samaranch Senior displayed absolute calm, focus." Nevertheless Samaranch, in a rare moment of letting the mask slip, revealed the effect of what Payne described as "personal attacks". "Retiring myself after the Barcelona Games (in 1992), I could have been a hero, no?" he told the Los Angeles Times in 2000. "I cannot regret. I have to write my history again." Payne said despite his diplomatic background Samaranch could play hardball. One incident occurred when Greece refused to allow the Olympic torch to be lit ahead of the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, as they objected to the commercialisation of the event. "Samaranch sent one of his relatives to Olympia to privately film the lighting of the flame, put it in a miner's lamp, and brought it back to Lausanne," said Payne. "Then Samaranch called the Greeks and said, 'just for you to understand, I now have the Olympic flame on my desk. "'Either you will agree to let the Americans come and properly light it or there will never be another torch lighting in Olympia. Because it will be lit at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.' "So he wasn't shy of being very tough." © 2025 AFP
Zawya
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Kirsty Coventry Makes Olympic History: Youth, Ubuntu, and a First-Round Knockout
Kirsty Coventry, the first woman, African, and youngest of the candidates, has emerged victorious as the tenth President of the Olympic Committee. Some may argue this outcome was predictable, given that Thomas Bach had selected her as his successor. While Bach's endorsement played a pivotal role, something else must have influenced those who decided to place their bet on her in the first round of voting, an outcome that many of the most experienced Olympic commentators deemed impossible. Coventry secured 49 votes out of 97, followed by Samaranch with 28 votes, with the others far behind. AGE During an interview we organized for colleagues worldwide, she said: "First and foremost, I would have loved to be the youngest-ever candidate, but most of you know that our founder, Pierre de Coubertin, was actually the youngest at age 33, so I've got a good decade on him, which I'm proud of. But really, it's a great honour to be in this race.' WHAT HAPPENED? She was right, but why such a landslide of votes so quickly? Several factors could have contributed to this. One possibility lies in the events of recent months. The traditional IOC world may have been somewhat shaken by a new development: four of the seven candidates are presidents of international federations and ex officio members - meaning they are members as long as they remain in office. This special, yet temporary, membership was introduced in the 1990s. THE PAST Juan Antonio Samaranch, then IOC president, had accepted the persistent request of Primo Nebiolo, who had also created the ASOIF, to bring them into the Olympic family. To appease him, Samaranch granted the request, and the ex officio title prevented Nebiolo from running for the IOC presidency. This year, however, the interpretation of the rule has changed, though the curious procedure remains: if one of these ex officio candidates had won, they would have had to undergo a new vote to be accepted as an individual member. THE ASSAULT The sudden surge of support for these four presidents seems to have caused some unease within the Olympic family. Each one is a highly capable leader with a proven track record in their respective fields. While their opinions and projects were closely scrutinized, they struggled to make a significant impact. Had any of them won, it could have potentially undermined the foundations of the current Olympic structure. However, their candidacies will likely spark positive reflections, as collaboration with international federations will need to grow more closely and transparently, especially during such challenging times. Let's hope that any negative sentiments do not leave lasting damage; it would be unfortunate because the world of sports needs its finest leaders right now. UBUNTU PHILOSOPHY Kirsty has consistently stated that she follows the principles of the Ubuntu philosophy, which prioritizes collectivism over individualism. Ubuntu asserts that society shapes our humanity: 'I am because we are.' This is a guiding principle that will be tested in the coming months and years, especially in the often individualistic world of sports management. A woman's practical approach to interpersonal relationships may prove especially valuable, and it will be fascinating to watch her navigate this new chapter. ANOTHER REASON The majority of IOC members also made a decision based on the age issue, which dictates retirement at 70. While this rule is outdated and no longer justified, it could have posed a problem had a candidate in their sixties been elected. At the same time, this decision demonstrates that the Olympic family is open to youth and women. The fact that Coventry was elected in the first round, with Samaranch securing a clear second place over other candidates, indicates that 80% of members opted for an internal solution. Even the athletes bypassed the programs of the federal presidents - a noteworthy trend. We can only say that the novelty is intriguing, it can bring many new and positive things, but there will certainly be severe obstacles to overcome. Kirsty has always told us: "You have to know how to organize yourself in every circumstance, even those that are not easy to predict." She also promised us to respect the work of journalists and her first act, when she accepted our invitation, demonstrated this to us. Now we must continue on that path. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Sports Press Association (AIPS).
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Race to become Olympics supremo on a knife edge
The race to succeed Thomas Bach as president of the International Olympic Committee reaches a climax on Thursday with Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior, Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry believed to be neck and neck but clear of the remaining quartet. Any of those three would be an historic winner in the election at the exclusive Greek resort of Costa Navarino. Samaranch would emulate his father of the same name and become the first father and son to be crowned president, World Athletics president Coe would be the first Briton and Zimbabwean Coventry the youngest at 41, and both the first woman and African. Nevertheless the electorate of 100-plus IOC members is hard to read and surprises cannot be ruled out in the battle to become the most powerful figure in sport. Ski federation chief Johan Eliasch, Morinari Watanabe, president of the international gymnastics federation, cycling head David Lappartient and Prince Feisal al-Hussein make up the heavyweight field. The vote takes place behind closed doors and just as in the award-winning film "Conclave" about cardinals choosing a new pope, all the IOC members will be obliged to leave their phones outside the room. The candidates' nerves will be jangling as they sit through a session of IOC business before the vote gets underway at 1400 GMT. The winner will be the first to obtain an absolute majority. Just how powerful the post is was illustrated when Bach was elected in 2013 and his first interview was interrupted by a congratulatory phone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin, as the Black Sea resort of Sochi was hosting the Winter Games the following year. Whoever wins will take over a financially secure IOC, but those calm waters are muddied by a febrile geopolitical situation. The new chief will have to deal with US President Donald Trump as Los Angeles hosts the next Summer Olympics in 2028. Samaranch argues that in this "very complex world", where previously undisputed truths such as "universality, fraternity and unity" are now questioned, it is no time to take a leap in the dark. The 65-year-old Spaniard, an assured and polished performer with over two decades as an IOC member, argues he would provide the steady hand at the tiller that is required. "It is not about the face or the gender, or the continent," he told AFP. "Even in the easiest of times, we should elect the best person for the job. "This is too important and too relevant for too many people to experiment." Samaranch Junior would take over an IOC radically different to the one his father did in 1980 and then ran for over two decades, effectively saving it with a radical transformation of its finances. Samaranch, though, while praising his father for overseeing the saving of "Olympism", insists his era is not "remotely relevant today." - 'Africa we're ready' - Coe appears to be seen by Bach as the disruptor candidate, which is perhaps surprising given many would view him as an establishment figure. While Samaranch Junior brings a calm urbanity, two-time Olympic 1,500 metres champion Coe oozes charisma. Coe, 68, also boasts an impressive CV. A former lawmaker for the centre-right Conservatives, he led London's successful bid to host the 2012 Games, surprising long-time front-runners Paris. He then oversaw the highly-praised hosting of the Games and has been credited with reforming track and field's global body since becoming president in 2015. Coe argues the IOC needs to do more "to create true and genuine commercial partners out of our athletes." If he is to get his wish, he will have done so against the odds as Bach has reportedly been phoning members urging them not to vote for him. If Samaranch Junior and Coe lose, it is the end of their hopes to be president owing to their age, but time is on Coventry's side. The seven-time Olympic swimming medallist is widely seen as being Bach's preferred candidate, something she denies. Although Bach refused to be drawn on this on Monday, saying only that a new era "requires new leaders", a seriously ill IOC member has flown in to vote for Coventry. Coventry says if she is elected it would be a huge moment for Africa as it would show "we're ready to lead". If any of the candidates feel confident of votes in the bag, Samaranch's words will disabuse them of that notion. "It's very easy in this world, so close a race, to confuse a smile for a vote, a friendship for a vote, a nice word for a vote," he said on Wednesday. pi/gj
Sky News
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
The Olympics' own Conclave begins - as hotly contested race for IOC president reaches climax
Electing the new boss of the Olympics first required a grandly titled "sacred pilgrimage" to ancient Olympia - to pay homage to the birthplace of what's become a multibillion-pound behemoth. And after the pageantry comes pure politics. The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) own Conclave is taking place today - the most-contested presidential election in its history after a campaign cloaked in secrecy. Those running for the presidency have been impeded by a labyrinth of rules. They can give the impression of limiting opportunities for the most confident of the orators and most experienced sports leader in the contest - Lord Sebastian Coe - from outshining rivals more favoured by the IOC establishment. It has been a contest where his policies have stood out from the field. He is the first advocate of a - endorsing US President Donald Trump's stance ahead of LA hosting the 2028 Olympics. calling for Olympic medallists to receive money. But being a disruptor could harm his chances in a contest where open debate has been banned. Even the only formal presentations allowed to voters were held in private in January, with attendees forced to hand in their phones just as they will for today's vote at the luxury Greek resort of Costa Navarino. The election has been forced into the shadows, while the Olympics are trying to maintain relevance with young audiences by having visibility. Lord Coe has already called for a "more open and expansive process" in future. The winner will be only the 10th president in the 131-year history of the IOC. Coe's main rivals The main threat to Lord Coe becoming the first Briton to lead the Olympic movement is considered to come from current IOC vice president Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr and double Olympic champion swimmer Kirsty Coventry. Now Zimbabwe's sports minister, she is trying to become the first African and first woman to serve in perhaps the most powerful job in sport. "Let's create some change, let's make sure that happens," said the 41-year-old. Lord Coe, at 68, is the oldest candidate. But not only is he also a double Olympic champion in middle-distance running, he went on to win the bid for London 2012 and oversee the organisation. Then he went tougher than most in sport on Russia over a mass doping scandal after being elected World Athletics President a decade ago. Add into that his political career with the Conservatives at Westminster and running a sports marketing firm. Mr Samaranch, a Spanish financier, can tout his business credentials while clearly being the establishment candidate - with his father previously leading the IOC for 21 years. Both Mr Samaranch and Ms Coventry have indicated there are issues around fairness if the women's sports category is not protected. They have not been clear how that would be achieved given the IOC has been leaving it for individual sports to decide on eligibility. Outsiders There is another British candidate: Johan Eliasch, who also holds Swedish citizenship. Despite leading the international ski federation since 2021, he has only been an IOC member since last year after becoming a billionaire through sportswear firm Head. David Lappartient, the French cycling federation president, has already taken the IOC into a new era by overseeing the launch of the Olympic Esports Games that are due to be staged in Saudi Arabia. Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan hopes to bring the main Summer Olympics to the Middle East for the first time by shifting the Games from the fierce summer heat in the region. 10:08 Morinari Watanabe, the Japanese head of gymnastics globally, has proposed staging a single Olympics across the world to provide 24 hours of rolling sports coverage. The vote There will be no final presentation of manifestos before the vote that starts at 2pm UK time until a candidate has an absolute majority. The voters are the 109 people from sport, business, finance and royalty chosen to be IOC members, including Princess Anne and Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani. Members are not allowed to vote if any compatriots are still in the running. Candidates can vote for themselves. There won't be a running tally of votes announced between rounds with only the candidate knocked out announced. The winner officially starts on Olympic Day on 23 June when Bach completes his maximum permitted 12 years in office before assuming the newly elected honorary role of life president. The future This is a rare vote in IOC circles. The hotly contested hosting votes have been replaced by behind-the-scenes deals that are only ratified by the IOC Session. Where games go confers great prestige on a country, giving much power to the IOC president to use their influence on the process. The 2036 Summer Games are the next to be awarded - with potential interest from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, India and Turkey. A decision could also be required on whether to allow Russia's readmission to the Olympics if the war on Ukraine ends.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Race to become Olympics supremo set to go to the wire
The race to succeed Thomas Bach as president of the International Olympic Committee reaches a climax on Thursday with Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior, Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry believed to be neck and neck but clear of the remaining quartet. Any of those three would be an historic winner in the election in Costa Navarino, Greece. Samaranch would emulate his father of the same name and become the first father and son to be crowned president, World Athletics president Coe would be the first Briton and Zimbabwean Coventry the youngest at 41, and both the first woman and African. Nevertheless surprises from the electorate of 100-plus IOC members cannot be ruled out in the battle to become the most powerful figure in sport. Ski federation chief Johan Eliasch, Morinari Watanabe, president of the international gymnastics federation, cycling head David Lappartient and Prince Feisal al-Hussein make up the heavyweight field. The vote takes place behind closed doors and just as in the award-winning film "Conclave" about cardinals choosing a new pope, all the IOC members will be obliged to leave their phones outside the room. The candidates nerves will be jangling as they must sit through a session of IOC business before the vote gets underway at 1400 GMT. The winner will be the first to get an absolute majority. Just off the exclusive resort is the site of the 1827 naval battle in the Greek War of Independence which resulted in a heavy defeat for the Ottoman Empire. This battle will be bloodless but it has got dirtier with the three main candidates targeted by personal attacks in the closing stages. Whoever wins will take over a financially secure IOC, but those calm waters are muddied by a febrile geopolitical situation. Adding to the potent mix, the new chief will have to deal with US President Donald Trump as Los Angeles hosts the next Summer Olympics in 2028. Samaranch argues that in this "very complex world", where previously undisputed truths such as "universality, fraternity and unity" are now questioned, it is no time to take a leap in the dark. The 65-year-old Spaniard, an assured and polished performer with over two decades as an IOC member, argues he would provide the steady hand at the tiller that is required. "It is not about the face or the gender, or the continent," he told AFP. "Even in the easiest of times, we should elect the best person for the job. "This is too important and too relevant for too many people to experiment." Samaranch Junior would take over an IOC radically different to the one his father did in 1980 and then ran for over two decades, effectively saving it with a radical transformation of its finances. Samaranch, though, while praising his father for overseeing the saving of "Olympism", insists his era is not "remotely relevant today." - 'Africa we're ready' - Coe appears to be seen by Bach as the disruptor candidate, which is perhaps surprising given many would view him as an establishment figure. While Samaranch Junior brings a calm urbanity, two-time Olympic 1,500 metres champion Coe oozes charisma. Coe, 68, also boasts an impressive CV. A former lawmaker for the centre-right Conservatives, he led London's successful bid to host the 2012 Games, surprising long-time front-runners Paris. He then oversaw the highly-praised hosting of the Games and has been credited with reforming track and field's global body since becoming president in 2015. Coe argues the IOC needs to do more "to create true and genuine commercial partners out of our athletes." If he is to get his wish, he will have done so against the odds as Bach has reportedly been phoning members urging them not to vote for him. Both Samaranch Junior and Coe have conducted high-profile media campaigns in contrast to Coventry's low-key strategy. The seven-time Olympic swimming medallist is widely seen as being Bach's preferred candidate, something she denies. Although Bach refused to be drawn on this on Monday, saying only that a new era "requires new leaders", a seriously ill IOC member has flown in to vote for Coventry. Coventry says if she is elected it would be a huge moment for Africa as it would show "we're ready to lead". If any of the candidates feel confident of votes in the bag, Samaranch's words will disabuse them of that notion. "It's very easy in this world, so close a race, to confuse a smile for a vote, a friendship for a vote, a nice word for a vote," he said on Wednesday. pi/gj
