Glasgow 2014 On Track Despite Resignations; Hoy Quits Cycling

(ATR) Around the Rings understands the Commonwealth Games Federation is not expected to raise Glasgow 2014’s leadership changes as a major concern during next week’s check-up on preparations.

The CGF’s coordination commission will meet with the organizing committee Monday through Wednesday in the Scottish city to assess progress across the project.

The resignation of three senior operation personnel in the past six months has sparked fears over the operational side of preparations with little more than a year to go to the Games. But ATR is told it’s not a significant issue.

David Leather, former deputy chief executive of the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games, joined Glasgow 2014 as chief operating officer last week.

His appointment swiftly followed the resignation of Ralph Ord from the COO position. Ord, a veteran of Athens 2004 and Sydney 2000, only took up the job in October. Jacqui Murdoch, Glasgow’s games time delivery director, quit in November; another member of the operations team has also stepped down.

Ty Speer, the former client services director for London 2012, joined as deputy chief executive in September to lead the 2014 commercial program. He came on board three months after the organizing committee’s commercial director John Donnelly quit.

ATR understands that CGF CEO Mike Hooper is comfortable with Glasgow 2014’s leadership reshuffle and preparations.

Coordination commission member Andrew Ryan, who is director of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations, tells ATR the comings and goings at Glasgow 2014 are "not really a concern".

"We are used to this with Games organizing committees that this is the cycle of things. There is a churn," he said.

"Everything we are seeing about the Glasgow Games is that it is being superbly well organized and presented."

Hoy Retirement a Blow for Glasgow

Chris Hoy’s retirement from cycling Thursday has dealt a blow to Glasgow 2014, although organizers won’t admit it publicly.

The six-time Olympic gold medalist – Britain's most successful Olympian – had been expected to compete in Glasgow. But the 37-year-old told a news conference at Murrayfield, the home of Scottish rugby, that it was one major event too many.

"I wanted to get a medal for Scotland. I didn't think I could so wanted someone else to take my place," said Hoy, who claimed he had used "every last ounce of energy and effort" at London 2012, where he won two golds.

"Nothing would give me more pleasure than going to Glasgow, but I don't want to be there for the numbers."

Glasgow CEO David Grevemberg said he respected Hoy’s decision and paid tribute to his achievements over the past two decades in cycling. "Sir Chris is not only Britain's greatest Olympian, he is an inspiration and a first-class ambassador for Scotland and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games."

British Olympic Association chairman Sebastian Coe also weighed in with praise for the Olympic legend.

"Throughout his remarkable career, Sir Chris Hoy has exemplified the values that define an Olympic champion," Coe said.

"His pursuit of excellence has been tireless. His respect for opponents, and commitment to clean competition, has been unwavering. And his dignity in victory has set an example that generations of Team GB athletes will strive to emulate. Chris is an icon and he has earned a revered place among our nation’s greatest sporting heroes."

Reported by Mark Bisson

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