Bidding for the Games - Munich 2018 CEO Steps Down

(ATR) A week after he publicly disclosed problems with this health, Willy Bogner steps down as CEO of the Munich bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Bogner, 68, says he is fighting an undisclosed intestinal illness.

"My illness is more serious than believed," said Bogner in a Sep. 6 statement.

"I hope people understand that my health must come first. Naturally, I am a passionate advocate of our bid and I will continue to support it in any way I can. We have an outstanding opportunity, and it remains my dream to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to my hometown in 2018," said Bogner.

Last week Bogner and colleagues at Munich 2018 insisted that the illness would not impact his work for the bid.

Bogner is known as a filmmaker, Olympian in alpine ski and the head of a sports fashion wear company.

He was named CEO of the Munich bid last November.

Taking over as CEO is Bernhard Schwank, who is managing director. Jürgen Bühl succeeds Schwank.

"Together with our excellent bid team we will offer to the IOC one trendsetting plan for friendly Olympic andParalympic Winter Olympics in 2018," said Schwank in a statement.

Bogner has been advised by his doctor not to travel long distances, which rules him out for a grueling travel schedule in the coming months to promote the Munich bid. Bogner will remain a member of the bid supervisory board.

Bid chair Katarina Witt will now present the bid on the international level, as she has been doing with Bogner.

Annecy in France and PyeongChang, South Korea are the other two bidders for 2018. The race will be decided by the IOC July 6, 2011.

Written by Ed Hula.