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"In the interest of ensuring that all eligible athletes are able to compete in their respective Olympic qualification process, and to establish a degree of certainty as we head towards the Olympic Games in London, the USOC and the IOC have agreed to place the question of the regulation before the CAS for a definitive ruling," said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun.  "I'd like to thank the IOC for their willingness to proceed in this manner and for the quality and the tone of the discussions that we have had regarding this matter."

According to IOC Director General, Christophe De Kepper, "This arbitration will provide certainty in the lead up to the 2012 London Olympic Games."

The petition is in the course of being submitted to the CAS. The arbitration agreement between the IOC and the USOC calls for an expedited review of the matter. The Regulations were passed by the IOC Executive Board on 23 June 2008 and could impact athletes from different countries around the world in relation to the 2012 London Olympic Games. While the USOC is the petitioner, the arbitration procedure shall be conducted so that the CAS ruling will be widely accepted.   

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MISCELLANEOUS

With an unprecedented 133 entries from 36 countries, the IOC/ International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) Award 2011 has set a new participation record. As well as numerous projects from Germany and Spain, attractive sports facilities from Canada, Africa and the Far East have also been entered. The projects will be judged by a jury made up of personalities from the IOC, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the IAKS. The prizes will be presented at the 22nd IAKS Congress, from 26 to 28 October.

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS

SUMMER IFS

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has announced the death, at the age of 57, of Norwegian marathon runner Grete Waitz. She won the gold medal at the first IAAF World Championships in 1983 in Helsinki, before taking silver at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In 2010, she won the IOC Women and Sport Trophy (Europe). More details on www.iaaf.org

From 7 to 10 April, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Gymnastics for All Committee held one of its last ordinary meetings before the start of the 14th World Gymnaestrada in Lausanne (Switzerland). The main topic on the agenda was this event, and the Committee also held meetings with the Lausanne Organising Committee. The subjects discussed included the performance schedule, although the organisers are still waiting for the participating federations to send the details needed for this to be finalised. Find out more on www.fig-gymnastics.com.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Federation of Oceania Rugby Unions (FORU) and the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) which will see the two organisations working to develop rugby throughout the region and assist the integration of member unions into the Olympic family. Find out more on: www.irb.com.

NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEES

The NOC of Costa Rica and the National Bank held the first edition of the Colibrí 2010 awards, which saw 55 athletes honoured for their sports achievements. Those attending the ceremony included the State President, Laura Chinchilla; the Minister for the President’s Office and Sport, Carlos Ricardo Benavides; the Head of the National Bank, Fernando Naranjo; and the NOC President, Henry Núñez. This occasion also saw the IOC Sport – Inspiring Young People Trophy awarded to triathlete Leonardo Chacón, for his work as a role model to young athletes. Read more on www.concrc.org.

The Athlete Support Office of the Spanish NOC, in collaboration with the Camilo José Cela University, has held a course on university studies for athletes over 25. The requirements for attending the course were to be 25 or older on 1 October 2011 and to have no educational qualification allowing access to university. More details on www.coe.es

On 15 April, the Hellenic NOC celebrated the first anniversary of the reopening of the historic Panathenaic Stadium closed to the public for several years. Pupils from the first elementary school of Vrilissia, Athens, visiting the Stadium for the Kids’ Athletics programme, sang “Happy Birthday” to mark the occasion. The children visited the Stadium with Dimosthenis Tampakos, Olympic gymnastics champion in the rings competition at the 2004 Games in Athens. They were welcomed by NOC President Spyros Capralos. Read more on www.hoc.gr.

On 3, 4 and 5, then 10, 11 and 12 April, the Iranian Foreign Affairs Ministry, in close cooperation with the Iranian NOC, staged the first Residing Diplomats Futsal Tournament. Held at the National Olympic and Paralympic Academy, this tournament was aimed at strengthening cooperation and friendship among the diplomats based in Tehran. A total of 21 teams took part, three of them from Iran. This initiative was warmly welcomed by the embassies. More details on www.olympic.or.

On 14 April, the Lithuanian Olympic Collectors Association celebrated the 10th anniversary of its creation. To mark this occasion, the Ten Years with the Olympic Flag exhibition was opened at the Police Department Museum. The many personalities present included NOC President and Secretary General Arturas Poviliunas and Vytautas Zubernis, as well as collectors, guests and media representatives. Read more on www.ltok.lt.

The Palau NOC has informed us that the 2010 Sport – Inspiring Young People IOC Trophy has been awarded to John Tarkong, a wrestler at the 2004 Games in Athens, who is today a coach and mentor to many wrestlers in Palau. More details on www.oceaniasport.com/palu

The Peruvian NOC and the President of the Republic, Alan García Pérez, have officially unveiled the Olympic athletes support programme, the main aim of which is to support the members of the national teams from the various sports federations. This joint initiative between the state and the NOC, in collaboration with major companies from the private sector, is currently focused on a first group of 125 athletes preparing to take part in various Olympic qualifying events. Find out more at www.coperu.org.

ORGANISING COMMITTEES FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES

LONDON 2012

After a series of meetings over the last two weeks, the Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 and the British NOC (BOA) have reached agreement on expanding cooperation between the two organisations before, during and after the Games in London in 2012.
In addition, the Lee Valley White Water Centre, the only brand new 2012 venue open to the public ahead of the Games, will open its doors on 22 April.
More details on www.london2012.org

SOCHI 2014

At the launch ceremony for the Sochi 2014 Coin Programme, two-time world figure skating champion Irina Slutskaya joined the team of ambassadors for the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Announcing the appointment, Sochi 2014 President and CEO Dmitry Chernyshenko explained: “Irina has been with us since the beginning of the Sochi 2014 project, right back at the bidding stage. She is one of the most outstanding athletes in modern figure skating and a favourite among the Russian public.” Read more on www.sochi2014.org.

RECOGNISED ORGANISATIONS

Five hundred days out from the opening of the Paralympic Games in London in 2012, International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Philip Craven, has promised a spectacular showcase of sport. More than 4,200 athletes from 150 countries will compete in 20 different sports during these Games. And with more than 750,000 people already registering their interest in attending these Games, Philip Craven is confident that spectators will enjoy an event of a lifetime. More details on www.paralympic.org.

For three days last week, the city of Milan (Italy) hosted the World Congress of the International Sport for All Federation (FISpT), during which elections within the governing bodies were held. Isa Mohammad A. Rahim (Bahrain) was re-elected as President, and Franco Ascani (Italy) as Vice-President. The latter is also President of the International Sport Movies and Television Federation (FICTS). More details on www.sportmoviestv.com.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

The Peace and Sport organisation has informed us that, last week, during the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tennis tournament, Novak Djokovic, the world number two in the ATP rankings, joined the Champions for Peace Club, a group of over 50 top-level sports personalities committed to promoting peace in the world through sport. His unusual profile and charisma make Djokovic an ideal figure to spread awareness of this cause to millions of young tennis fans around the world, for whom he is an icon. The Champions of Peace include Sergey Bubka, Frankie Fredericks, Cathy Freeman, Yelena Isinbayeva, Christian Karembeu and Sebastien Loeb. Find out more on www.peace-sport.org.

How do I take part?

It’s easy… take and share one or more photos that represent one or more of the Olympic values:

•  Friendship through sport
•  Respect through sport
•  Excellence through sport

TAKE PART IN THE CONTEST HERE

Please note that, on a regular basis and for a limited period of time, a random selection of photos submitted for the contest will be featured in the HOPE temporary exhibition at The Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

Contest dates: 31 March to 15 September 2011.

Good luck!

Learn more about the Hope exhibition

How did it feel to win world championship gold in the double sculls last year?
It was fantastic for Anna and I to win in New Zealand and complete an undefeated season in the double. And it was such a great experience to race in front of the incredible crowds at Karapiro.      

Does being world champion add to the pressure?
I don’t think so, it’s a very special title to have and I value it hugely. I think it comes with a responsibility to try to be a better athlete in every way, but I don’t feel it adds any pressure.    

Will home support help you win that elusive Olympic gold medal?
Let’s hope so! I have no doubt that the crowds in London will be an inspiration for everyone.   

Which nations are going to be the strongest competitors?
It’s early to say, I think we’ll see what develops this season as people try for the Olympic qualification slots across different events. Usually the pre-Olympic year sees a healthy rise in numbers of crews and in the level of competition.    

Team GB has a great tradition of Olympic champion rowers, what is it about British rowing that breeds this formula?
Inspirational athletes like Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent not only set the standard for other athletes but also showed just what was possible. Over the years, that success has spread to women’s and lightweight programmes and we are at a place now where we work with some of the best coaches in the world, plus the support staff and management are all exceptional. Success has certainly bred success and everyone continues to push each other’s standards up.    

Did you always dream of being an Olympian?
I always loved watching the Olympic Games growing up but I didn’t see myself as a full-time athlete. I was probably like most kids and went through the stage of wanting to be things like an astronaut, a trapeze artist and a vet.    

How does the average training week work?
Huge amounts of training and a little bit of social life – no surprises there then!    

What is currently on your MP3 player?
An enormous range of music – I listen to it a lot, so variety really is the answer for me. 

Enjoy the e-zine version of the March issue of Olympic Review magazine!

When did you start playing handball?
Quite late actually, when I was about 14 years old. I was good at football – I was a winger – but my friends started playing handball and I started with them. I couldn't do both so I stuck with handball. I don't regret my decision!

What are your Olympic memories?
Every time people talk about the Olympic Games I remember Athens in 2004. It was my debut for the international team and I was something of an unknown quantity, but I showed that you can achieve a lot when you try hard and the gold medal was a great reward.

How is training progressing for the 2012 Games?
First we have to qualify for the Games and that is almost as hard as doing well in London itself. It is not quite as easy as when we were all a bit younger and it does take a lot more effort. The most important thing is that the whole squad stays healthy.

What are you most looking forward to about London 2012?
The fact that there are a lot of great athletes together in one place and the chance to meet some of them. Only during the Olympic Games can you have lunch with Roger Federer or Usain Bolt. I was impressed by a photo of Federer taken in the Olympic Village in Beijing, where there were hundreds of journalists trying to ask him a question – he makes time for all of that.

Who will be your main rivals at the Games?
The competition intensifies every year. Denmark, Poland, Serbia, Spain and Germany are all top countries. As I said previously, it is a tough task even to get to the Games, and then to win a medal, but I am sure that Croatia can do it.

What do you know about London?
Not too much, but everybody says it has a special spirit and I would like to feel that. Maybe handball is not the most popular sport in Great Britain but I expect to have a great time in London.

What kit do you carry in your training bag?
As well as the things that I need for training, I have a little detail that reminds me of my wife and a toy that my son, Petar (18 months old), put in my bag. I take it everywhere with me.

What music do you have on your MP3 player?
I listen to anything that will make me happy and make me feel better before a match. I do prefer Croatian music, but it is not the only thing I listen to.

Who were your Olympic heroes?
In basketball Drazen Petrovic, in handball Patrik Cavar, Irfan Smajlagic and Zlatko Saracevic. Janica Kostelic has a special place in Croatian sport and from elsewhere, Federer and Michael Jordan.

Enjoy the e-zine version of the March issue of Olympic Review magazine!

Last week in London (Great Britain), the IOC confirmed the addition of six new events to the programme of the Olympic Winter Games in 2014 in Sochi: men’s and women’s ski half-pipe, women’s ski jump, biathlon mixed relay, figure skating team event and luge team relay.

The 2011 IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport came to a successful conclusion on 9 April in Monaco. The meetings, described by some as the most constructive yet for researchers in the field, were attended by 940 delegates from 85 countries and included 5 keynote lectures, 21 symposia, 39 workshops and 64 oral presentations. The Conference was the first organised by the IOC and was attended by IOC members HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, IOC Medical Commission Chairman Prof. Arne Ljungqvist, and Dr Robin Mitchell. Experts exchanged the latest news and advancements in the prevention of illness and injury in athletes; and several symposia on the implementation of the field’s current knowledge showed that the message and penetration are improving. Read the press release.

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS

SUMMER IFS

At a two-day meeting following the Daegu (Korea) International Marathon, the Council of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) began its work, the main priority of which was to review and assess preparations for the next edition of the IAAF World Championships and 48th IAAF Congress, which will take place in this Korean city from 24 August to 4 September this year.

On 12 April, the IAAF became the first International Sports Federation to approve the adoption of new rules and regulations governing the eligibility of females with hyperandrogenism (production of excessive testosterone) in women’s athletics competitions. The Council’s decision is the culmination of an 18-month review. During this period, the IAAF working group worked in close collaboration with the IOC Medical Commission and also took part in a series of international expert meetings held on the subject in 2010. More info at www.iaaf.org.

On 7 April in London, Ching-Kuo Wu, IOC member and President of the International Boxing Association (AIBA), and Joël Bouzou, President of Peace and Sport, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the two organisations cooperate in the pursuit of Peace and Sport’s mission to promote sustainable peace by raising awareness among populations and educating young people for peace using the values of sport. Read more at www.aiba.org.

Meeting in May 2008 in Cape Town (South Africa), the Council of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) had approved a new qualifying systems for gymnasts aspiring to the Olympic Games. This decision had come in response to a heated debate that arose after the 2007 Stuttgart (Germany) Worlds involving the failure of elite gymnasts to qualify for the Beijing Olympic Games. New rules have since come into force and, last week, the FIG published the complete qualification system for London 2012, which affects the 324 male and female gymnast quota allocated by the IOC.

At the SportAccord Convention last week in London, FIG President Bruno Grandi and Joël Bouzou also signed an MoU to promote peace across the globe. More info at www.fig-gymnastics.com.

The International Swimming Federation (FINA) has announced that the cities/national federations of Guadalajara (Mexico), Guangzhou (China), Hong Kong (Hong Kong), Kazan (Russian Federation), and Montreal (Canada) have presented formal bids to host the 16th FINA World Championships in 2015 and the 17th in 2017.

On 1 April, FINA President and IOC member Julio César Maglione attended the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the German Swimming Federation. IOC Vice-President Thomas Bach and many personalities from the world of swimming were also present. Find out more at www.fina.org.

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has announced that reigning Olympic gold medallists Jan Frodeno and Emma Snowsill were the first triathletes to be named Laureus Laureus Ambassadors. They were officially welcomed at an event in Sydney (Australia). They were joined by Olympic legends Cathy Freeman, Dawn Fraser and Daley Thompson and by Mick Doohan, five-time world motorcycle champion. More details at www.triathlon.org.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced the Webb Ellis Trophy was the star attraction at a special rugby event held at the United Nations headquarters in New York (USA) recently. With 150 days to go until the kick-off of the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand, rugby’s legendary trophy was presented to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon by Bernard Lapasset, President of the IRB. Ambassadors representing 20 Rugby World Cup 2011 participating nations, including UN Development Programme Administrator and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, and members of the USA Eagles were also present at the ceremony. More info at www.irb.com.

WINTER IFS

The International Luge Federation (FILA) was happy to announce that a fourth luge discipline had been added to the programme of the Olympic Winter Games. At the meeting of the IOC Executive Board in London last week, IOC President Jacques Rogge announced that the team relay had been approved by the EB and that it would thus be part of the Olympic programme. More info at www.fil-luge.org.

The International Ski Federation (FIS) is pleased at the decision to include men’s and women’s half-pipe and women’s ski jump in the programme of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Read the reaction of FIS President Gian Franco Kasper at www.fis-ski.com.

NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEES

The Chilean NOC, the IOC and Adecco Chile will work together to set up a programme that offers professional prospects to elite athletes. As part of this programme, a meeting will be held on 14 June at the Olympic Training Centre. Several people will speak on this occasion: Patrick Glennon, Head of the Adecco Athlete Career Programme; Pedro Yang, a member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission; and Nicole Papazian Riveros, Head of Marketing and Communications at Adecco Chile. More info at www.coch.cl.

Yesterday, 14 April, the Spanish NOC and the Barcelona Olympic Foundation presented the second edition of the BCN Sports Film Festival, which will take place from 17 to 21 May in Barcelona, and will bring together the main players from the worlds of cinema, TV and sport, as well as representatives of the media. The presentation was attended by NOC President Alejandro Blanco; Julio Pernas, Director of the Barcelona Olympic Foundation; and Paloma del Río, Director of sports programming for TVE and jury member of the 2011 BCN Sports Film Festival. More details at www.coe.es.

The Mongolian NOC has informed us that its President, Demchigjav Zagdsuren, has been unanimously elected as President of the Mongolian Weightlifting Federation. The election was held on 2 April during the Elective Congress. Further details at www.olympic.mn.

The 40th General Assembly of the Slovakian NOC was held last December in Bratislava (Slovakia). NOC President Frantisek Chmelar took this opportunity to present the 2010 IOC Sport, inspiring young people Trophy to Vladimir Miller for his long and active devotion to the development of sports in Slovakia and his work with young people. Vladimir Miller is Vice-President of the NOC and Director of Bratislava Sport College. More info at www.olympic.sk.

ORGANISING COMMITTEES FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES

LONDON 2012

Rows of blossoming wild cherry trees and lush green lawns have burst into life, as work has been completed on the Olympic Park’s wetland bowl. Located in the north of the Park, this area creates habitats and helps to manage floodwater. Over 1,500 trees have been planted, as well as thousands of wetland plants to provide shelter from the wind and sunshine across the Park. More info at www.london212.org.

At what age did you start judo?
I started at the age of three. Both my father and mother were judoka and before I knew it, I was wearing a judogi.

How is your training progressing for the 2012 Games?
I won’t be able to win gold with the judo I’m using now. Last year, I won the World Championships [in Tokyo] but I’m not satisfied. There are obstacles that I need to overcome this year if I want to improve my fighting. I’m always training to be aggressive and confident.

What are you most looking forward to about London 2012?
It’s important that I push myself to the full. I’m not just concerned with winning by ippon (judo’s KO). I’d like to perform my best on the world’s biggest stage.

What do you think of London?
I visited on my way back from a training camp in Europe last year. There are a lot of tall buildings and it’s a big city. It was pretty. I got the feeling that compared with Paris, London is more of a business town rather than a tourist destination.

Who will be your main rivals for the gold medal in London?
France has a solid judo team. Teams such as China and South Korea must also not be underestimated. But what's most important is conquering myself. I am my biggest rival. Also, I have to defeat the up-and-coming judoka in my country who will be vying for a spot on the national team.

How have the achievements of your sister, Masae, inspired you?
My older sister always had a fighting spirit and aimed to never lose no matter what. She was always determined to win and with a drive to score ippon. She would never show weakness in a fight. I have a more gentle side, so my sister has something I don’t have. I train with her about once a week so I can learn from her.

Who were your Olympic heroes when you were growing up?
My older sister, Masae, is my biggest hero. Winning consecutive Olympic titles is really something great; that’s not something that just anyone can do. In Athens, I cheered her on from the stands and in Beijing I was always at her side, assisting with her needs. I decided to aim for the Olympic Games after seeing what my older sister had accomplished. Aside from judo, South Korean figure skater Kim Yu Na is also someone I admire. She was able to skate a perfect programme at the Winter Games in Vancouver. She rose to the occasion, despite the enormous pressure, the high expectations and the attention from everyone. She was smiling on the ice, but I felt her determination to win no matter what.

What music do you listen to on your MP3 player?
I listen to Japanese pop stars from groups, like Johnny’s and AKB48. I don’t listen to much Western music.

Enjoy the e-zine version of the March issue of Olympic Review magazine!

Don't forget to visit www.theolympicswarehouse.com

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