Barack Obama #2
The ATR Golden 25 has included heads of state before, but never a U.S. president. When he takes office in January, Barack Obama, 47, may provide a spark to the race for the 2016 Olympics. Never before in the annals of bids for the Olympics has there been such an occasion for the U.S. president to exert influence in the IOC decision.
Obama rises to the presidency as a worldwide celebrity, coming at a time when heads of state are now almost expected to campaign in person at the IOC Session. For some IOC members, Obama's politics may be regarded much more kindly than those of predecessor George W. Bush. That could make them much more open to being swayed by the new U.S. president. And while it is far from certain that Obama might make an appearance in Copenhagen, becoming the first U.S. president to address an IOC Session, the allure for him to campaign for Chicago in his hometown might be irresistible. Indeed, he knows that an Olympics in Chicago could be taking place in the final months of a second term in office.
Some IOC members say they don't think Obama will spell the difference for the Chicago bid, but that logic contradicts the vote for London in 2005 and Sochi in 2007. In 2005, Tony Blair's personal lobbying for London is credited with giving the bid the boost it needed, while Vladimir Putin is said to have made certain Sochi's win for 2014 last year.
Obama still has to decide the level of support he'll deliver for the bid, how he will speak out. The U.S. Olympic Committee must work out a marketing agreement with the IOC that is perceived as fair by the rest of the world. Domestic and international issues must work in favor of the U.S for the next 10 months. But if these pieces fall into place, Obama's influence could shape the Olympics for the next seven years.
The Golden 25 is a compilation of those individuals who will have the greatest influence in the Olympic Movement during the coming year. The entire list will be available at Around the Rings' website. The Golden 25 will also be featured in an online magazine, which can be downloaded here.
Written by Ed Hula.
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