18 replies to this topic

[mattperiolat]

I'm curious, even if he does have at least two more Olympics to go, if a general opinion on Jacques Rogge's "reign" as IOC President has been formed. I see from time to time thoughts pop up on Brundage and Samaranch in particular, but not so much on the current President.

So, what do you all think? Good, bad, indifferent?

[Rols O'Bertilsson]

I thought he only had one more games to go - London. He'll be out in 2013, before Sochi happens.
And, no, I haven't forgotten the YOGs. I just don't count them as real games.

Overall, I think Rogge is what was needed after JAS - someone a bit more diplomatic, less dictatorial, more collegiate inn his approach. I'd give him an "A".

[Gangwon]

Rogge won't leave the same kind of mark Samaranch did (JAS being a product of his upbringing and also being head during a time of great world change), but I applaud Rogge for not making changes simply for the sake of making changes simply for the sake of being remembered for something (except for the Youth Olympics, what baloney). Whereas Samaranch will be known for turning the Olympics into a self-sufficient org, changing the landscape of financing through broadcasting and sponsorships, turning IOC sessions themselves into glamourous events, tackling doping through Dick his right-hand man, bringing China the Games, and unilaterally changing the rules as he goes, I'm not quite sure what Rogge will be remembered for. He brought the Games to South America, and he oversaw the Youth Olympics, but I hope that dies a quick death.

He was good, but I'm ready for new leadership.

Edit: You just KNOW the IOC members will look at this thread, so now's the time to express how you REALLY feel!

[intoronto1125]

Rogge was the only IOC president in my interest as an Olympic fan from 2002. It will be sad to see him go. The Winter Olympics have certainly evolved under him, and probably the most expensive games ever happened under his leadership.

[Kenadian]

He's been a good manager - diplomatic, uncontroversial, firm but not heavy handed. In a decade that has seen the rest of the world go through some very trying times, his tenure as head of the IOC has kept the Olympic movement alive and healthy. He's not an exciting personality, but he's got a level head and has been good for the IOC.

[SwissO]

He is the man that contribute to "clean" the IOC, that reintroduce values in the Olympic Movement and that create the Youth Olympic Games...

Yes, YOG are the future of the Olympic Movement, important in its growth, focusing on the youth, their education and their sport development !
I'm not sure people who are against the YOG knows about what they are talking... I have attended the first ones in Singapour, I am following the preparation and will be at the 1st Winter ones... and I can guarantee you that those games have a real future and place in the olympic movement, first for the athletes and second for cities that could not afford the SOG or WOG ! Give them some time and media will give them all the interest they deserve !

[Soaring]

SwissO, on 12 December 2011 - 07:53 AM, said:

He is the man that contribute to "clean" the IOC, that reintroduce values in the Olympic Movement and that create the Youth Olympic Games...

Yes, YOG are the future of the Olympic Movement, important in its growth, focusing on the youth, their education and their sport development !
I'm not sure people who are against the YOG knows about what they are talking... I have attended the first ones in Singapour, I am following the preparation and will be at the 1st Winter ones... and I can guarantee you that those games have a real future and place in the olympic movement, first for the athletes and second for cities that could not afford the SOG or WOG ! Give them some time and media will give them all the interest they deserve !

You sound like an IOC official. Glad to have you here!

[Kenadian]

Not to side track the conversation, but isn't the purpose of the YOG to engage and excite young kids about sport?

So how does another restrictive, elite quadrennial international event achieve this? I think the goal would be best achieved and have more relevance if approached from the grassroots. Not with a kiddie version of the Olympics.

[SwissO]

Soaring, on 12 December 2011 - 03:10 PM, said:

You sound like an IOC official. Glad to have you here!

No, nothing to deal with IOC, just the opinion of an olympic fan for years

[mattperiolat]

Kenadian, on 12 December 2011 - 03:29 PM, said:

Not to side track the conversation, but isn't the purpose of the YOG to engage and excite young kids about sport?

So how does another restrictive, elite quadrennial international event achieve this? I think the goal would be best achieved and have more relevance if approached from the grassroots. Not with a kiddie version of the Olympics.

Another way for the Chinese to exploit children outside of the big show?

Seriously, the CONCEPT is a good one - an entry level for younger people to condition themselves and get ready for the elite version of the Olympics. Basically, it is an attempt by the IOC to encourage greater participation.

The problem is this is not being executed well. Rogge launched it too fast before what it is supposed to be was established or before even interest and how to participate had been established. I'd love to see the idea thrive, but I have my doubts.