The USOC named ROBERT FASULO Chief of Int’l Relations. Most recently, Fasulo was Dir for the Association of Summer Olympic Int’l Federations. Fasulo is also a member of the IOC Coordination Commission for the ’08 Beijing Olympics (USOC). In Colorado Springs, Meri-Jo Borzilleri writes the USOC made the move “to bolster its eroded international reputation” (Colorado Springs GAZETTE, 2/9). In DC, Amy Shipley writes the hiring is “at attempt to counter its waning influence in the world of sport.” USOC Chair PETER UEBERROTH: “It was very clear to us we had to reestablish the international ties to the Olympic community” (WASHINGTON POST, 2/9). Ueberroth added, “I don’t know of many individuals who have worked more closely with the Olympic movement (than Fasulo). He gives us enormous strength.” In Chicago, Philip Hersh notes the USOC had not filled the position since GREG HARNEY resigned following the ’05 IOC annual session, at which baseball and softball were eliminated from the Olympics and N.Y. finished fourth in voting for the 2012 Games. Fasulo: “That revolving door has caused concern and loss of credibility. My experience and relationships can help in re-establishing some of that.” Hersh notes Fasulo, who has lived in Europe since ’87, speaks English, French, Italian and Spanish. He also worked for “one of the most powerful men in Olympic sports,” late IAAF President PRIMO NEBIOLO (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/9).
2016 BID FORTHCOMING? The CHICAGO TRIBUNE’s Hersh cites sources as saying that Fasulo’s hiring is “a strong signal a 2016 bid is forthcoming” (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/9). In Philadelphia, Larry Eichel reports Philadelphia has become a USOC community partner. The list of U.S. cities interested in bidding for the 2016 Games “is likely to include” Chicago, L.A., S.F., Houston and DC. Of those, Houston and Chicago are also community partners, with S.F. “about to join the ranks.” The program gives partner cities “priority for hosting Olympic qualifying events and USOC meetings,” but USOC Chief Communications Officer DARRYL SEIBEL “stressed it had no direct bearing” on any city’s potential 2016 bid (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 2/9).
