one of the most difficult for the Olympic movement highlights the correspondent “RG” asked for a comment to Alexander Kozlovsky. Many years, and now honorary Vice-President of the Russian Olympic Committee, for many years was elected a Vice-President of the European Olympic Committee, and for decades supported at the highest level, our international sports communication.
Alexander Alexandrovich, what is perceived is not a solution, but a serious statement of IOC President Bach?
Alexander Kozlovsky: Hard. But let’s think what had caused it. Obviously, hardworking, disciplined, devoid of excessive romanticism the Japanese think things through. They built everything on time, did a great job. And then what? Another year is necessary to keep in perfect order all the Olympic facilities. It will take a huge and essentially irreplaceable amount. How many people usually work on the eve of the Games in Organizational committees? Four thousand-five. And they have to pay. Or dissolve useless now the organizing Committee, then, if necessary, to collect. But do gather? And all this if that is so bad combined with a practical mind, the exact prudence. And if you suddenly have to compete in an empty stadium? And if the pandemic dies down?
do You think all this is destined to last so long?
Alexander Kozlovsky: If all goes well, then no. And if you inflated the second, the third wave? I pretty much traveled the world, seen and tried to understand how people live in different parts of the world. The virus is now rampant in Europe and the United States. But it is not seen his other worrying signs? He gets to Latin, to South America, and there are people to such disasters are also adjusted much less than ours. How will they comply with social distance in Brazil, where already raging COVID-19? And how and when it all will end? Maybe in Japan thought of this earlier.
And the conclusion?
Alexander Kozlovsky: Final yet. I think it is now pointless to buy tickets for the Olympic games.
IOC, first decided to move the Olympics to 2021. And now…
Alexander Kozlovsky: Now. But what is the status of this most powerful and richest in the world sports organization? I am familiar with all of its presidents since Lord Killanin. The IOC is not the same unity, which was under President Samaranch. There are disputes, squabbles over money, influence, the allocation of funds.
From the Olympic idea, created and embodied by the founder of the modern Games Pierre de Coubertin, nothing left, except for like pictures. Yes, it seems to be all the same: run, race against people, but for what? Money overshadowed everything. WhenAmarante they have not ruled everything. His successor Rogge has released management from the hands. Bach, whom I have known for years – honest, disciplined people. From Moka was waiting for a big change. And there is a document that sets out the principles for the development of the Olympic movement. But they are vague, vague, vague. Today, more than ever, requires universal unity and understanding. And very, very much effort. Whether they have the International Olympic Committee.
