Golden 25 -- Gilbert Felli, Mario Vazquez Rana

Gilbert Felli, number 14 in the Around the Rings' Golden 25. Gilbert Felli #14

Gilbert Felli is the answer man for the Olympic Games world, whether for the next ones on the calendar or for bids in years to come. As the IOC executive director for the Olympic Games, Felli oversees a complicated operation that keeps him on the road many weeks of the year.

In 2009, Felli will be involved with preparations across the board: producing the technical evaluation of the four 2016 bid cities, progress on the first Youth Olympic Games, smoothing any rough patches for London and enjoying an easy lead-up to Vancouver.

Now 61, Felli is four years away from retirement at IOC headquarters.

Mario Vazquez Rana #15

Mario Vasquez Rana is number 15 in Around the Rings' Golden 25. The venerable president of the Association of National Olympic Committees and the Pan American Sports Organization also controls a purse worth more than $200 million for distribution to the world’s NOCs through Olympic Solidarity, of which he is also president. The latest slice of funding resulting from the Beijing Olympics is about 27 percent more than Athens.

Now 76, Vazquez Rana is heading into his final terms in office. He should have some influence on possible successors to his continental and worldwide leadership posts.

As ANOC president, Vazquez Rana holds a seat on the IOC Executive Board and is Mexico’s senior IOC member. Brother Olegario Vazquez Rana is the junior IOC member in Mexico.

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 the Around the Rings website. The Golden 25 will also be featured in an online magazine, which can be downloaded here.

Written by Ed Hula.