|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
| |
|||
| Monday, July 16 |
|||
| Samaranch Jr.'s election raises some eyebrows Associated Press | |||
MOSCOW -- The son of outgoing IOC president Juan Antonio
Samaranch was elected to the Olympic committee Monday despite
criticism from some members.
Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. was elected to the International
Olympic Committee by a vote of 71-27, with 11 abstentions.
The outcome was a relief to Samaranch, coming just before the
election of his own successor, and means that both father and son
will serve on the powerful sports body. The elder Samaranch is
staying on the IOC as "honorary president for life."
His father kissed him on both cheeks and briefly squeezed his
arm during the formal swearing in ceremony for new members.
There have been several previous cases of children of IOC
delegates becoming members, but this is the first time a
president's son has been elected.
"I think the president took a big risk," said IOC executive
committee member Anita DeFrantz.
The younger Samaranch, a 41-year-old Madrid-based businessman
known as "Juanito," is a vice president of the international
modern pentathlon federation.
Marc Hodler, the Swiss IOC member who first blew the whistle on
the Salt Lake City bribery scandal that ushered in sweeping
reforms, merely raised his eyebrows when asked what message would
be sent by the election of the younger Samaranch.
"I'm very, very fond of Juan Antonio Jr. He's a wonderful man.
But ..." Hodler said, his voice trailing off.
Other nominations accepted were: Australian Olympic Committee
president John Coates; Els Van Breda Vriesman of the Netherlands,
president of the International Hockey Federation; Randhir Singh,
secretary general of India's national Olympic committee; Timothy
Fok, head of Hong Kong's Olympic committee; and Issa Hayatou of
Cameroon, a top African soccer official.
In a rebuff to Samaranch, former Swiss President Adolf Ogi was
rejected by a vote of 59-46, with four abstentions. Samaranch's
voice trembled as he read the result.
It is extremely rare for a nomination for IOC membership to be
rejected. It may be because Switzerland, a country of 7 million
people, already has five IOC members.
Lambis Nikolaou of Greece and Toni Khouri of Lebanon were
elected to the IOC's powerful executive board.
 Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories | |
ALSO SEE Rogge elected IOC boss Rogge brings high standards, diplomatic touch to presidency Presidential candidate Kim denies reports of expense offer Samaranch asks for conference to settle conflicting drug laws Outgoing IOC chief wants to stay involved Garber: Samaranch's legacy of corruption | |
|
|