THE PRESIDENT OF THE PYEONGCHANG 2018 WINTER OLYMPICS ORGANISING COMMITTEE, LEE HEE-BEOM HAILED THE GANGNEUNG ICE ARENA TEST EVENT A TOTAL SUCCESS FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SKATING UNION (ISU) SHORT TRACK WORLD CUP EVENT ON 16-18 DECEMBER.
Over the course of the three days, over 29,000 spectators came to see the action at the arena which will host the short track and figure skating competitions at PyeongChang 2018.
On the ice, there was joy for Great Britain’s Elise Christie who completed her second double golden weekend in a row as she topped the podium again in both of the women’s 1,000 metres competitions.
Christie’s second win of the weekend saw her move into second place in the overall women’s 1,000m rankings on 21,678 points, with the gap between her and leader Choi Min-jeong standing at 6,322.
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Choi gave her home crowd something to celebrate as she won the women’s 500m ahead of China’s Kexin Fan and Poland’s Natalia Maliszewska. Fan’s second place finish saw her close in on the World Cup top spot, which is still held by Christie, who chose not to take part in this weekend’s 500m race.
Choi was also part of the victorious Korean women’s 3,000m relay team, who maintained their perfect record in this season, beating the Netherlands and Canada into second and third respectively.
The men’s 5,000m relay was won by Hungary, with Canada and the USA completing the podium. In the overall World Cup standings, Hungary are now top of the table on 27,741, with China moving into second ahead of The Netherlands.
Canadian Charles Hamelin claimed the men’s 1,000m gold, with Semem Elistratov of Russia getting silver. Bronze went to Hamelin’s compatriot Charles Cournoyer.
China’s Wu Dajing put behind him the disappointment of being penalised in the men’s 1,000m heats on Friday by winning the 500m gold to increase his overall World Cup lead. Russia’s Denis Nikisha took silver while the Republic of Korea’s Han Seung-soo, got the bronze.
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“There are 418 days left until the Pyeongchang Games, but as far as we’re concerned, the Olympics has already begun with this test event," said Lee Hee-beom. “We’ve identified some areas that need improvements, but the ISU has told us our overall preparation has been perfect.”
“We’ll listen carefully to all suggestions and make sure the actual Olympics will be absolutely flawless," Lee added. “Next week, the Organising Committee, international officials and volunteers will meet to go over what we did well and what we could have done better at this event.”
MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORT AND TOURISM, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
During the test event, IOC Coordination Commission Chair Gunilla Lindberg met with the Acting President and Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea Hwang Kyo-ahn.
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL DEBUT OF 3X3 BASKETBALL TO THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SPORTS LAB, WE PICK OUT SIX EXAMPLES OF HOW THE YOG ARE LEADING THE WAY IN SPORTING INNOVATION.
MIXED EVENTS
The first YOG in Singapore in 2010 made their mark in numerous ways, most notably with the introduction of events featuring mixed-gender and mixed-NOC teams. These included triathlon and swimming relays, and archery, table tennis and fencing events, to name but a few, adding a completely new element to the sporting competitions, which proved particularly popular with athletes.
IOC / ARNAUD MEYLAN
SPORTS LAB
As if the 28 sports on the Youth Olympic programme didn’t provide enough entertainment, visitors to the 2014 YOG in Nanjing were also given the opportunity to enjoy world-class displays of roller sports, skateboarding, sports climbing and wushu, at the innovative Sports Lab. Throughout the Games, large crowds flocked to the facility to view the two-hour showcases that were held for each sport, with top Chinese and international athletes displaying their skills before offering fans the chance to try out the sports for themselves. The concept proved so popular that it was further developed during the 2016 Winter YOG in Lillehammer, where fans were given the opportunity to have a go at all 15 Winter Olympic disciplines when visiting the YOG venues during the Games.
IOC / UBALD RUTAR
THE OLYMPIC RETURN OF GOLF AND RUGBY
Golf and rugby returned to the Olympic Games for the first time in 112 and 92 years respectively during Rio 2016, but both sports actually made their Olympic comebacks during the 2014 YOG in Nanjing. The rugby sevens competition provided plenty of highlights, with Australia winning the girls’ competition, and France beating Argentina in an epic final to secure gold in the boys’ event. The golf competitions, meanwhile, saw Italy’s Renato Paratore and Korea’s Lee Soyoung celebrate gold medals in the men’s and women’s events respectively, with Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult and Linnea Strom combining to win the mixed team event.
IOC / UBALD RUTAR
3X3 BASKETBALL
All eyes were on the basketball courts in Singapore during the 2010 YOG, with the action-packed 3x3 format making its international debut. The fast-paced games saw two teams of just three players compete on half a court. Games were played over two five-minute periods, although teams could win sooner by being the first to reach 33 points. Serbia won the boys’ event while China took gold in the girls’ competition. The successful debut of 3x3 basketball was followed by an innovative dunk contest for boys and shootout event for girls at the 2014 YOG in Nanjing.
IOC / IAN JONES
HOCKEY 5S
The Nanjing 2014 YOG also featured an exciting new hockey format, with matches reduced to high-intensity five-a-side games of three 12-minute periods played on half-pitches. The faster games proved a hit with fans, featuring more shots on goal and less play in midfield, with Australia winning gold in the men’s event and China claiming the women’s title.
IOC / IAN JONES
MONOBOB
A unique new bobsleigh format guaranteed exciting and closely contested competitions at the Lillehammer 2016 Winter YOG, with the introduction of the monobob event. By featuring one-athlete teams, the event created the opportunity for more countries to participate. The new format ensured that the outcome of both the women’s and the men’s competitions were decided only when the last competitors crossed the line at the end of their second and final runs, with Germany’s Laura Nolte and Jonas Jannusch topping the podiums respectively.
IOC / UBALD RUTAR
GENDER EQUALITY
The 2018 YOG in Buenos Aires are also set to break new ground when, for the first time in Olympic history, there will be complete gender equality on the Olympic sports programme. In total, 1,893 women and 1,893 men are set to compete in the YOG, which will also include new youth-oriented events such as BMX freestyle, kiteboarding, beach handball and cross-country running.
IN RIO, CONTEMPORARY FRENCH ARTIST JR LEFT HIS MARK WITH TWO PROJECTS: THE GIANTS, GIGANTIC IMAGES OF ATHLETES MOUNTED ON SCAFFOLDING IN THE HEART OF THE CITY; AND INSIDE OUT, A PHOTO TRUCK WHICH CAPTURED THE FACES OF ORDINARY PEOPLE, WHOSE PHOTOS WERE THEN DISPLAYED AROUND THE CITY. HERE ARE HIS IMPRESSIONS FROM HIS EXPERIENCE AS ARTIST IN RESIDENCE.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT WHAT YOU DID IN RIO?
The Rio project was a key moment in my artistic career, as I’ve been working there for more than 10 years, in the favelas, in the city, with museums; and I was always scared of going back with a large work which could link all the different worlds in which I’ve worked. These Giants were an ideal way to return, as they combined all these worlds, museum installations taking pride of place in the heart of the city, visible to everyone. The important thing for me in a city like that, and in the current context, was to make these works as non-elitist as possible, and as they were in the public domain, everyone had the same chance to see them.
DO YOU THINK THE OLYMPIC GAMES PROVIDE INTERESTING SUBJECT MATTER FOR ARTISTS?
For me, the subject matter was amazing. I had never imagined that, and I hope to be back there again in the future! There are so many layers in human terms, not just sporting, with everything that happens behind the scenes. And there are links to my work, which is to place the human being at the forefront, regardless of background or colour.
DO YOU THINK THERE IS A PLACE FOR ART AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES?
Of course, there is always a place for art when there is room to express yourself, and the framework has not already been invaded by brands and sponsors. In my case, I chose the city in order to be totally free.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY OF THE GAMES? YOUR BEST IMAGE FROM THE GAMES?
My best memory is of the Maracanãzinho, the little stadium next to the famous Maracanã, where my team and I sat to watch the whole world’s athletes arrive, without photographers or cameras, before going into the Opening Ceremony. I had the impression of seeing a human map of the world.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THESE THREE GIANTS?
The majority of my works are ephemeral; they make an impact on people and continue to exist through photographs that people share, or which I myself do. But the physical object gradually disappears. I imagine that the scaffolding is now being used to build the Brazil of tomorrow, at least I hope so.
HAVE YOU HAD ANY FEEDBACK FROM THE ATHLETES WHO WERE PHOTOGRAPHED, EITHER FOR THE GIANTS PROJECT OR FOR INSIDEOUT, AT THE VILLAGE IN PARTICULAR?
I had feedback from three athletes who weren’t able to compete at the Games this time, but who were very proud to be represented there symbolically. I have stayed in touch with many of the athletes who took part in Inside Out or followed the project. It was great to meet them and discover a world I previously knew only from watching television.
WHAT ABOUT THE GENERAL PUBLIC’S PARTICIPATION IN THE INSIDE OUT RIO PROJECT?
The participation was amazing everywhere, whether in the city centre or the favelas or the Olympic Village. The truck was operating all the time. For years, I had dreamed of taking this project to Brazil, on this scale; and I hope it will carry on, as the truck is still there.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
I’m finishing a film with director Agnès Varda and starting a new project that I look forward to unveiling next year. And perhaps lots of other Giants? The best way to follow my projects is via social media.
Recommendation 26 of Olympic Agenda 2020, the strategic roadmap for the Olympic Movement, calls on the IOC to “further strengthen the blending of sport and culture at the Olympic Games and in-between.” The implementation of an artists-in-residence programme during the Games was one of the first measures linked to this recommendation.
KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA
The true appellation of Apu. A Creative Commons license.
IOC / ARNAUD MEYLAN
LAST YEAR, THE IOC ANNOUNCED A GROUND-BREAKING GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP WITH TOYOTA TO PROVIDE INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT IN LINE WITH OLYMPIC AGENDA 2020, THE STRATEGIC ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURE OF THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT, WHICH HAS SUSTAINABILITY AS ONE OF ITS THREE KEY PILLARS.
Beginning in 2017, Toyota will work with the IOC, organisers of the Olympic Games, and National Olympic Committees around the world to deliver sustainable mobility solutions.
Today, the newest Worldwide TOP Partner delivered a new fleet of hybrid cars for the IOC administration. The vehicles use Toyota’s latest hybrid technology, combining the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors to provide sustainable mobility solutions.
IOC President Thomas Bach received the cars from Mr Philippe Rhomberg, CEO of Toyota Switzerland AG, at the IOC’s Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
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After receiving the cars IOC President Thomas Bach said: “This is another step in this exciting partnership, and I am particularly delighted about the new hybrid cars, which is another clear demonstration of the IOC’s commitment towards sustainability. I would like to thank Mr Akio Toyoda for his great personal commitment and Mr Rhomberg and his team here in Switzerland, as well as the fleet team in Toyota Motor Europe based in Brussels, for their support in implementing this programme.”
THIS IS ANOTHER STEP IN THIS EXCITING PARTNERSHIP, AND I AM PARTICULARLY DELIGHTED ABOUT THE NEW HYBRID CARS, WHICH IS ANOTHER CLEAR DEMONSTRATION OF THE IOC’S COMMITMENT TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY.Thomas BachIOC PRESIDENT
Toyota Switzerland’s CEO Mr Philippe Rhomberg confirmed: “We are very proud of the partnership with the IOC, and I would personally like to thank IOC President Thomas Bach and his team in bringing the start of this journey to life. Their vision of creating a better world through sport is a perfect match for Toyota's philosophy. Every day, we make every effort to provide even better mobility solutions for society through respect, teamwork and the pursuit of continuous improvement - in the true spirit of the Toyota Way.”
Toyota also wants to use the partnership to truly embrace the spirit of the Games in its day-to-day business. When announcing the partnership in March 2015, Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda said: "We will do everything possible to fulfil our new role in The Olympic Partner (TOP) Programme, and justify the trust the IOC has placed in us. The addition of a mobility category to the TOP Partner field is an important recognition for our entire industry. Under this Olympic flag, let us today reaffirm the power of sport to bring people together. And let us dedicate ourselves to creating a better world by promoting sport in the Olympic spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play."
Toyota will support the entire Olympic Movement in the mobility category, which includes vehicles, mobility services and mobility solutions. It will provide sustainable mobility solutions for the Olympic Games to help with low-emission, safer, more efficient mobility, including intelligent transport systems, urban traffic systems and vehicle-to-vehicle communications systems.
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Toyota will also support the entire Olympic Movement through funding and a global promotional reach. Under the IOC’s management, the TOP Programme supports the National Olympic Committees and the Organising Committees, helping ensure that the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement are truly global. The IOC redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 3.25 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.
KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA
The true appellation of Apu. A Creative Commons license.
OLYMPIC CHANNEL
PREPARE TO BE INSPIRED WITH THE OLYMPIC CHANNEL ANIMATED SPECIAL CAMBODIA’S SEARCH FOR GLORY WHICH FEATURES SORN SEAVMEY AS SHE TRIES TO WIN HER COUNTRY’S FIRST-EVER OLYMPIC MEDAL IN TAEKWONDO.
Through a mix of archival and live footage combined with colourful animation, the half-hour special tells the story of Sorn Seavmey from working at a garment factory with her mother to creating Olympic history for Cambodia. Her story has become a national source of pride and is changing the perception of sports and women in Cambodia.
Seavmey, whose father died when she was a child, was raised by her mother who, like most Cambodian women, worked at a garment factory where Seavmey also took a job. She then found her talent in Taekwondo and under the tutelage of Korean taekwondo master, Choi Yong Sok, went on to accomplish historic feats at the Asian Games and Olympic Games.
Known as “Cambodia’s Golden Girl”, Seavmey, 21, became the country’s first-ever athlete to qualify outright for the Olympic Games after winning gold at the 2016 Asian Taekwondo Olympic Qualification Tournament. She is an Olympic Solidarity scholarship recipient and served as Cambodia’s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
The Olympic Channel is a ground-breaking multi-platform destination where fans can experience the power of sport and the excitement of the Olympic Games all year round, and is available worldwide via mobile apps for Android and iOS devices and at olympicchannel.com.
KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA
The true appellation of Apu. A Creative Commons license.
FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THE COMPLETED WADA INDEPENDENT PERSON (IP) REPORT ON 9 DECEMBER 2016, THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (IOC) ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT 28 RUSSIAN ATHLETES* WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES SOCHI 2014 ARE NOW SUBJECT TO A DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE.
The IOC is initiating disciplinary cases against all 28 athletes for whom there is evidence of manipulation of one or more of their urine samples that were collected at the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014, as detailed in the IP report earlier in December.
Prof. McLaren had investigated 95 samples of Russian athletes provided to him by the IOC. They led to the 28 athletes with evidence of sample manipulation. They have now been repatriated back to the Lausanne Anti-Doping Laboratory, and re-analysis has already begun on these samples looking for any Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs).
At this point in time, these 28 new cases are not AAFs, like a positive doping test. However, the manipulation of the samples themselves could lead to an Anti-Doping Rule Violation and sanctions.
“This is the immediate follow-up to Professor McLaren’s Report. The IOC will go beyond the findings of the IP Report by re-analysing all the samples of all the Russian athletes who participated in the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014 as well as all those who participated in the Olympic Games London 2012,” IOC President Thomas Bach said.
As of now, 27 Russian athletes have already been sanctioned by the IOC as a result of the IOC’s own re-analysis programme for the Olympic Games Beijing 2008 and London 2012, which began prior to the Olympic Games Rio 2016, and is still ongoing (for London). The IOC will also re-analyse all samples from Russian athletes at the Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010.
The protection of clean athletes and the fight against doping are top priorities for the IOC, as outlined in Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC’s strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement.
* Please note that for legal reasons the IOC cannot currently give more detailed information on the cases. This will follow in due course.
KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA
The true appellation of Apu. A Creative Commons license.
FIRST-EVER REFUGEE OLYMPIC TEAM SENDS MESSAGE OF HOPE
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, A TEAM OF REFUGEE ATHLETES COMPETED AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES RIO 2016, SENDING A MESSAGE OF HOPE AND INCLUSION TO THE MILLIONS OF REFUGEES AROUND THE WORLD.
Their participation was also an important signal to the international community that refugees are our fellow human beings and an enrichment to society.
This video tells the story of how this team of ten refugee athletes made Olympic history, inspiring the world with the strength of their human spirit.
