How can we keep the Olympic Games as a premier event? This is one of numerous questions that will be debated at the Olympic Congress in Copenhagen between 2 and 3 October 2009, where approximately 900 delegates will get together to shape the future of the Olympic Movement. The recent successes of the Olympic Games in Athens, Turin and Beijing will allow the IOC to reflect on lessons learned and to find even better ways to position the Olympic Games.
The athletes are at the heart of the Games, and at the end of the day it is their outstanding performances that are remembered. Mexico City 1968 with Bob Beamon’s historic jump; Grenoble 1968 with Jean-Claude Killy’s triple medal win; Munich 1972 when Mark Spitz became a legend; Montreal 1976 with Nadia Comaneci’s perfect tens. Not forgetting Eric Heiden, Carl Lewis, Hermann Maier, Björn Daehlie and most recently Shaun White, Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps. It’s these performances and memorable Olympic ceremonies that drive the IOC, Organising Committees, National Olympic Committees and International Sports Federations to work hard to provide the most adapted environment in which to compete and perform. The Copenhagen debate will strive to provide solutions to make the Olympic Games stronger and even more enjoyable. Enjoy watching all the highlights of previous Games in this video.
Femi Kuti
The Juan MacLean