London Security Chief Named; Kwan Ends Olympic Career

Ian Johnston, the current Chief Constable of British Transport Police, was named London’s Olympic security director on Monday. (Getty Images) London Olympic Security Chief Named

Ian Johnston was named the Director of Security and Resilience by London Olympic organizers on Monday.

Johnston, who has a 44-year career as a police officer, will lead security efforts for Olympic venues. He was Chief Constable of British Transport Police in 2005 when terrorists killed 52 on London busses.

According to LOCOG, Johnston “will work closely with all key organisations tasked with making the Games secure, including the Home Office and the Olympic Security Directorate.”

In a statement he said: “the London 2012 Games are a massive opportunity to showcase London and the UK. Security is a vital part of ensuring we host a spectacular and successful event and I am very much looking forward to playing my part in meeting that challenge.”

Kwan Chooses Academics over Olympics

Michelle Kwan has decided to forgo a return to figure skating at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver to pursue a graduate degree.

Kwan, a silver medalist at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano and a bronze-medal winner at the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City will instead pursue a master’s degree in international affairs at Tufts University. Michelle Kwan will pursue a master’s degree in international affairs at Tufts University instead competing for a spot in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. (Getty Images)

Kwan, who earned an undergraduate degree in international studies from Denver University in May, has made a number of trips as an envoy for the State Department and is interested in pursuing a career as a diplomat.

“Skating will always be a part of me,” Kwan is quoted as saying in an Associated Press article. “But in the bigger picture of my life, I have always wanted to find a career that will allow me to make a positive contribution and difference in the world.”

“Representing the United States as an American public diplomacy envoy the past three years has been very rewarding and I want to do more. Furthering my education will bring me closer to that goal and I don’t want to wait any longer to continue the journey.”

Kwan, who hasn’t competed since being forced to withdraw from the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin due to an injury, also won nine U.S. championships and five world titles.

Cadbury Signs On As AOC Sponsor

British confectionary company Cadbury signed with the Australian Olympic Committee to be a sponsor for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and the 2012 Summer Games in London.

Cadbury is a long-time Olympic backer, having sponsored the Australian team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and the 2000 Games in Sydney. Several Australian Olympians were on hand for the announcement of Cadbury’s sponsorship of the Australian Olympic team. (AOC)

“It is a delight for us to have Cadbury back on board as an Olympic sponsor,” said AOC president John Coates in a statement. “I know I speak on behalf of all the athletes in saying how much we appreciate Cadbury’s generous support in the build up to Vancouver and London.”

The AOC had already earned over $29 million in sponsorship for its Olympic teams through its marketing body Sports Marketing and Management.

Asian Martial Arts Games Opens

The Asian Martial Arts Games made its debut with its opening ceremony at Indoor Stadium Hua Mark in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday.

Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkom officially launched the Games at the end of the opening ceremony, which featured a number of short cultural performances and the lighting of the flame by local action movie hero Tony Ja.

Athletes from 10 Asian nations are participating in the week-long games, which will conclude on Sunday.

The games feature competition in nine martial arts sports – Taekwondo, karate, judo, jujitsu, pencak silat, muaythai, kickboxing, kurash and wushu.

After the first three days of competition, South Korea leads the way with 14 medals, including eight golds. Host Thailand is second with 10 medals.

The Olympic Council of Asia organized the event.

Briefs…

…Olympic rowing coach Svilen Neykov has been named Bulgaria’s new minister of sport. The 44-year old Neykov is the coach of 2008 Olympic gold medalist Rumyana Neykova, his wife and the only Bulgariand gold medalilst from Beijing.

…A total of 457 gymnasts from 75 countries will appear at the 2009 world artistic gymnastics championships in London, according to the final registration list released on Friday. The championships are scheduled for Oct. 12 – 18.

Written by Greg Oshust.