Olympic Highlights 13/06/2023
IOC
PRESIDENT
IOC President Thomas Bach was in Paris, France, from 8 to 11 June.
The IOC President was welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday 8 June at the Élysée Palace. The two leaders discussed the preparations for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, which are going extremely well. President Bach and President Macron expressed their full support for the Organising Committee and its President, Olympic champion Tony Estanguet, who also attended the meeting.
President Bach thanked President Macron for the recent declaration at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, concerning the autonomy of sport and the conditions for the participation of athletes with a Russian or Belarussian passport, in alignment with the respective recommendations of the IOC.
In addition, they reaffirmed that the decision on the participation of these athletes at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be taken by the IOC at the appropriate time, and that they will continue to cooperate in this respect, too.
President Bach was accompanied by the IOC Members in France, Guy Drut, Jean-Christophe Rolland, David Lappartient and Martin Fourcade, and the Chair of the Coordination Commission, IOC Member Pierre-Olivier Beckers-Vieujant. Read the full news release here.
At the headquarters of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, President Bach chaired a meeting of the Board of the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) joined by the Vice-Chair, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. A key area of discussion was the IOC Refugee Olympic Team (EOR), which will represent 100 million refugees and displaced people around the world at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, and the opportunity for the ORF to promote the inclusion of young people affected by displacement through sport in the lead-up to the Games and beyond in the Ile de France region. Also announced during the meeting were seven new Refugee Athlete Scholarship-holders, which brings the total number of current Refugee Athlete Scholarship-holders to 53 (full athletes’ list here). The ORF Board also had the opportunity to watch We Dare to Dream, the independent documentary directed by Oscar-nominated refugee director Waad Al Kateab, which features five athletes on their journey to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Produced by ORF Board member Joe Gebbia, in partnership with the ORF, the film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York on 11 June. The Board also discussed the continued growth and ambition for the ORF. In 2022, the Foundation launched three new programmes, in Bangladesh, France and Türkiye, and responded to the Ukraine crisis by launching a pilot programme to meet the mental health needs of Ukrainian refugees.
After its meeting, the ORF Board chaired by IOC President Thomas Bach, and Vice-Chair UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, visited the ORF’s flagship programme in Paris, Terrains d’Avenir. The programme, which includes a wide range of implementing partners, aims to provide 7,000 young people affected by displacement with access to sport by 2025, and to shape a movement which will continue to have an impact long after the Olympic Games. During the visit, ORF Chair Thomas Bach personally invited 10 displaced young people engaged in the Terrains d’Avenir programme to attend an event with him at the Games in 2024 and support the EOR. Read the full news release here.
President Bach and Joe Gebbia, Co-founder of Worldwide Olympic Partner Alibaba and a member of the ORF Board, met to discuss the support provided to athletes and the Olympic community through Airbnb, and the support programmes for refugee athletes.
The IOC President also met the President of the Île-de-France Regional Council, Valérie Pécresse, alongside Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet. President Bach praised the Île-de-France Region’s support for and commitment to the organisation of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The excellent cooperation between the IOC and both the Île-de-France Region and the Paris 2024 Organising Committee was also highlighted.
The IOC President attended the women’s and men’s finals of the French Open, where he was welcomed by French Tennis Federation (FFT) President Gilles Moretton. After Novak Djokovic’s victory, the President congratulated him saying: "Chapeau Novak. A Grand-Slam record-man in the times of the 'triumvirate' with Roger and Rafael, makes you unique. See you back on this court next year for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.”
Also in Roland-Garros, President Bach had a meeting with the French Minister for Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra. Their discussions focused on the preparations for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and the follow-up on the meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
During his stay in Paris, the IOC President also held meetings with IOC Members Mamadou Ndiaye, Camilo Pérez López Moreira and David Haggerty, who is also President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF); Lee Jae-yong, Vice-President of Worldwide Olympic Partner Samsung; Johan Eliasch, President of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS); and Olympic champion Nadia Comaneci, who is also member of the IOC’s Athletes’ Entourage Commission. A number of Olympic topics were discussed during these meetings, including the next editions of the Olympic Games and the Youth Olympic Games.
Before going to Paris, President Bach chaired a remote meeting of the IOC Executive Board (EB) on 7 June. The EB recommended that the IOC Session withdraw the recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA), in accordance with Rule 3.7 of the Olympic Charter. This decision is based on the IOC Comprehensive Report on the Situation of the IBA dated 2 June 2023, which the IOC EB discussed and approved on 7 June. The IOC EB also recommended that the IOC Session – in the interest of the boxing athletes and the sport of boxing – maintain boxing on the sports programme of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, in accordance with the IOC EB’s decisions communicated on 24 June 2022, 8 September 2022 and 6 December 2022. To discuss the matter and take a decision, the IOC EB and the IOC President have convened an Extraordinary IOC Session, to be held remotely on Thursday 22 June 2023. Read the full news release here. IOC Vice-Presidents Ser Miang Ng and John Coates, and IOC EB members Nenad Lalović, Prince Feisal Al Hussein and Emma Terho, were present in Lausanne.
Earlier in the week, President Bach welcomed the President of Hungary, Katalin Novák, and gave her a tour of Olympic House. The President of Hungary then signed the IOC’s “Golden Book”, in which she wrote: “I am grateful for the substantial discussions and the excellent relations between Hungary and the IOC. Hungary as a sporting nation shares the values sport represents, and we are committed to keeping on with the spirit of the Olympics.” President Bach said that it was a pleasure "to meet Hungarian President Katalin Novák, who is such a great friend of sport and a supporter of the unifying mission of the Olympic Movement". The two leaders discussed Hungary’s participation in the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024. They also discussed the numerous major sports events being staged in Hungary and Budapest, including the upcoming World Athletics Championships, as well as several Olympic topics, the current international situation and the position of the Olympic Movement. Joining the Hungarian President’s delegation for the visit were Hungarian NOC President and Olympic canoe sprint champion Zsolt Gyulay, and IOC Member and Olympic swimming champion Daniel Gyurta. During the visit, Gyulay also received his OLY diploma and pin from the IOC President before signing the Olympians Wall.
President Bach welcomed the members of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Executive Board, chaired by FIH President Tayyab Ikram, on the occasion of their meeting at Olympic House. They discussed the excellent cooperation between their two organisations, the preparations for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and various other Olympic topics. In his address, the IOC President said: “We both want to make sport a leading force in the new world that is emerging. With this goal, we continue to have a strong and reliable partner in the FIH.” He also praised the FIH Empowerment and Engagement Strategy, which focuses on the future development of hockey and puts athletes at the centre. See also under “IFs”.
The upcoming Olympic Games were discussed at a courtesy meeting with Liz Dawson, President of the New Zealand Olympic Committee.
At Olympic House, the IOC President presented a diploma and OLY pin to three athletes: Joanna Maranhao (Brazil, swimming, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016), Hans-Henning Fastrich (Germany, hockey, Seoul 1988 silver medallist) and Jon Wyatt (Great Britain, hockey, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000). They all signed the Olympians Wall.
Meetings were also held with IOC Vice-President Ser Miang Ng, IOC EB members Denis Oswald and Nenad Lalović, and IOC Member The Princess Royal. The discussions focused on a wide range of Olympic topics, including the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024, the international situation and the position of the Olympic Movement.
COMMISSIONS
With just over a year to go, Paris 2024 is on track to deliver Olympic and Paralympic Games of a new era. This was the message delivered by the IOC’s Coordination Commission following a three-day visit to the French capital, where the Commission met with organisers and local authorities to discuss readiness preparations. Speaking about the meeting, the Commission’s Chair, Pierre-Olivier Beckers-Vieujant, said: “Paris, in 2024, will deliver a new era of Games. It will demonstrate the power of sport and solidarity, and the contribution the Olympic and Paralympic Games can make to youth and society at large. Paris 2024’s ambitious and innovative approach to inclusion, optimisation and sustainability has answered the calls for reform from the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020, and is already delivering increased excitement.” Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet added: “We’re now entering the final straight of our preparations and, as of today, we are firmly on track to maintain our vision of a spectacular celebration of sport like no other.” The strong engagement with all stakeholders, especially the French State and local authorities on matters including security and transport, the continued public support for the Games, sustainability and legacy were other key topics discussed during the meeting. Read the full news release here.
OTHER OLYMPIC NEWS
The theme of the 50th annual World Environment Day (5 June) is a reminder that businesses, organisations and governments, as well as people in their daily lives, need to take action to “beat plastic pollution”. The IOC is committed to using the power of sport to help end plastic pollution. Discover here four examples of how the Olympic Movement and the Games are playing their part in accelerating the transition to a circular economy.
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATIONS
SUMMER IFS
International Hockey Federation (FIH)
During its meeting at Olympic House in Lausanne, the FIH and its President, Tayyab Ikram, launched a new strategy for the global development of hockey – called the Empowerment and Engagement Strategy – with the IOC President in attendance. The strategy’s primary aims are to empower hockey stakeholders such as Continental Federations and National Associations to lead the development of hockey in their respective continents and countries, and to engage with all FIH members and hockey stakeholders. Full details here. Beyond the strategy launch, the FIH Executive Board – which also made a tour of Olympic House - took a number of other important decisions concerning the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier, the 2023 FIH Hockey Nations Cup, the global hockey calendar, players’ equipment and the FIH Athletes’ Committee, among other things. The meeting was also attended by representatives from the Hockey Associations of India, the Netherlands, New Zealand, England, Spain, Malaysia, Australia, Belgium and Germany. More details here. In addition, on the sidelines of the meeting, the FIH joined the UN Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) “Sports for Climate Action Framework”. The FIH’s commitment was signed by the FIH President, with the IOC President in attendance. This commitment is another major step in the FIH Sustainability Strategy, launched in November last year. Full details here.
International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM)
The UIPM and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) have announced their collaboration for the One Humanity campaign. This partnership aims to promote diversity, inclusivity and intercultural dialogue through the power of sport. The UNAOC is an initiative that works towards bridging cultural divides and fostering mutual understanding among diverse communities. This collaboration seeks to create a more inclusive and peaceful world, where people from different cultures and backgrounds come together, celebrate their diversity and work towards common goals. Full details here.
Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)
The challenge entitled "Your Ride Counts" was a huge success from the moment it was launched on 3 June, World Bicycle Day. By the end of the day, some 8 million kilometres had already been cycled. As of 7 June, more than 300,000 people have joined the challenge, which was launched by the UCI in collaboration with the Strava platform. The challenge ends on 30 June and aims to encourage cyclists around the world to join the UCI in celebrating cycling as a sport and as a means of transport by using their bikes at least twice a week and opting for a bike instead of a motor vehicle for short journeys during the challenge period. To mark World Bicycle Day, the UCI also organised a series of “cycling for all” events at its headquarters, the UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC) in Aigle (Switzerland). UCI WCC athletes, as well as UCI and UCI WCC staff, participated in the activities alongside the public. Full details here
World Athletics
US sprinter Jim Hines, the first man to break the 10-second barrier for the 100m, in 1968, died on 3 June at the age of 76. It was at the Olympic Games Mexico City 1968 that he achieved his feat, with an official time of 9.95 seconds and winning the gold medal, before winning a second gold medal with the US team in the 4x100m. After the 1968 season, Hines had a brief career in pro American football with the Miami Dolphins. More details here on the World Athletics website.
World Sailing
On World Ocean Day, 8 June, World Sailing called on the Federation’s global community of sailors to support the One Blue Voice petition for a Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights, which will be presented to the UN General Assembly members in September 2023. The campaign, by World Sailing special event The Ocean Race, asks members of the public to show their support for a Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights. Full info here.
World Triathlon
World Triathlon has confirmed two new venues for the 2023 World Cup circuit. The city of Tangier in Morocco will host the event on 1 October. This will be the first ever hosting of a World Cup in the country . The following weekend (7 October) will see the capital of Italy Rome hosting for the first time an international triathlon event. Full info here.
NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEES
Argentinean NOC
From 31 May to 3 June, a sports administration course in Las Varillas (Córdoba), organised by the NOC in cooperation with the Argentine Athletics Confederation, brought together 51 participants, including Olympians Antonio Silio and Rosa Godoy. The course was led by Andrea Martinez Funes and Fernando Molinero. More details here. A training session on Olympism, sustainability and culture was also held at the NOC headquarters for physical education supervisors and teachers from public and private schools in Buenos Aires. More details here.
Dominican Republic NOC
A tree-planting event kicked off the Olympic Day activities in the district of Juan López, Municipality of Moca, in Espaillat province, on 10 June. The NOC-organised programme also included talks by the NOC Women & Sport and Environment & Sport commissions and Olympic Academy. The day ended with an Olympic run, featuring many participants. Tokens of appreciation were also awarded to some of the region’s top athletes and other prominent individuals with links to sport in Espaillat. The Olympic Day celebrations took place early this year because of the country’s preparations for the Central American and Caribbean Games, which will be held from 23 June to 8 July in El Salvador. Full details here.
Paraguayan NOC
On 4 June in Asuncion, the NOC took part in the Comilona de teletón, a fundraising gastronomy festival with the slogan #UniteAEstaGranMesa. As well as preparing a number of dishes, the NOC held sports demonstrations. This was part of the NOC’s ongoing efforts to promote the Olympic values. More details here. In addition, the 25 advanced sports management course participants received their diplomas at a ceremony held on 9 June. The course programme topics included sports organisation management, sports marketing, event planning and human resources management. More details here.
Olympic Committee of Serbia
Olympic Day in Serbia was celebrated on 3 June in Belgrade’s Hyde Park. Many people of all ages took part in the fun run, family run, kids’ runs or run for people with disabilities. Olympic medallists Tijana Bogdanović (taekwondo) and Ivana Anđušić Maksimović (shooting) played the role of promoters for Olympic Day, while Aleksandar Kukolj (judo) ran with his family and delivered the IOC President’s message to all the participants, whom NOC President Božidar Maljković also addressed. All the participants also had an opportunity to try out the NOC’s mobile app, TreninGO. This app features the Olympic Day Challenge, which encourages the whole country to run 5, 10, or 21km and celebrate the IOC’s anniversary. The winners will be announced on 23 June, the closing date of the Challenge. More info here at www.oks.org.rs.
RECOGNISED ORGANISATIONS
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
The WADA and the Korea Anti-Doping Agency (KADA) have entered into two separate agreements with organisations in the Republic of Korea to promote the values of clean sport through education. WADA, KADA, the Pukyong National University in Busan, Republic of Korea, and the Research Chair on Anti-Doping in Sport of the Université de Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the creation and development of a course on anti-doping to be offered at the Korean university. WADA and KADA also signed a second MoU, with the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO), to collaborate closely on developing anti-doping educational materials and programmes. More details here. WADA has published its annual Anti- Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) Report, which is the official set of such figures under the World Anti-Doping Code. The Report highlights 935 confirmed ADRVs in 2020 (25 of which were related to Athlete Support Personnel). The ADRVs involve individuals from 91 nations and across 67 sports. Full details here.