IOC Exec Board Members Among Potential Successors To Rogge

Bach Considered Likely Replacement For Rogge

IOC President Jacques Rogge "plans to stand down as an active member" of the organization in 2013 when his 12-year tenure is expected to end, and IOC VP & Exec Board Member Thomas Bach has been "long considered most likely" to replace Rogge, according to Owen Gibson of the Manchester GUARDIAN. Other Exec Board members like Richard Carrion "could also mount a challenge," and IOC Evaluation Commission Chair Nawal El Moutawakel is an "intriguing potential outside bet." LOCOG Chair Sebastian Coe is "one final name to consider," but "to even consider a run at the job he would first have to become an IOC member" (Manchester GUARDIAN, 8/19).

CLEARING THE AIR: In Vancouver, Damian Inwood noted Rogge "sparked a media blizzard when he said 'a bit more promotion would be useful,' in response to questions" regarding the '10 Vancouver Games, and the IOC has "quickly skated in to 'clarify' Rogge's comments." IOC Dir of Communications Mark Adams: "The president did not say that VANOC was 'falling short.' Indeed, he pointed out how great the Vancouver Games will be, how supportive the Canadian public will be and that, as we enter the final stretch, with the Olympic torch relay and winter sports season approaching, that VANOC will undoubtedly start to step up its promotion of the Games." VANOC Media Relations Manager Chris Brumwell: "Our understanding is that president Rogge was quite complementary in the story and the piece in question is really recognizing the potential that exists in the next six months, leading up to the Games" (Vancouver PROVINCE, 8/19). Meanwhile, Olympico President Keith Pelley, who heads CTV-Rogers' Olympic broadcast consortium, said of the Olympics, "I'm not saying it's recession-proof but ... if you were going to buy one thing in this marketplace, this would be it" (Vancouver PROVINCE, 8/20).