Olympic Newsdesk -- Russia NOC Chief Confirms Resignation ; Rochette Funeral; Paralympic Torch

Russian Olympic Chief Explains Resignation

Leonid Tygachev ends any doubt about his resignation as president of the Russian Olympic Committee with public explanations Thursday about leaving a post for which he was re-elected unopposed in December.

Tygachev appeared on TV and posted a statement to the ROC Web site saying the Russian team’s poor performance in Vancouver caused his resignation.

"At the Olympics in Vancouver we did not display results that we and our fans expected" Tyagachev said in his statement.

Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said ''organizational conclusions'' needed to be reached following the Games where Russians finished sixth in the medal tally with 15 medals, three gold.

"The people responsible for the athletes' training for the Olympics should also bear responsibility right now," Medvedev was quoted by Russian news agency ITAR-TASS.

"The officials in charge should take a courageous decision and file the appropriate requests. If they are unable to do so, we'll help them."

Tygachev said a replacement will come in the “near future”. Around the Rings hears that an election should come within two months.

Legacy Lives in London

After its cancellation for Vancouver in 2009, the Legacy Lives conference is back for its third edition in London today and tomorrow.

Legacy Lives focuses on how cities can create a legacy from hosting major sporting events. The three day conference wraps up Friday. IOC Executive Board member Craig Reedie leads the speakers list for the program. PMPlegacy, a major event consulting firm is staging Legacy Lives.

Paralympic Torch Travels to Quebec City

The Paralympic Torch travels to Quebec City on the second day of its 10-day journey.

A visit to a French speaking community and Laval University are scheduled for today.

The torch began its 10-day journey yesterday in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. The torch travels to Toronto tomorrow.

Large USOC/BOA Agreement

The British Olympic Association and U.S. Olympic Committee ink an agreement to strengthen the Olympic movement throughout the world.

Under the new agreement, the two NOCs will among other things, create a congress to share information between national governing bodies, and bring in the private sector to offer advice on how to implement suggestions from the 2009 Olympic Congress. Additionally the USOC and BOA will coordinate issues relating to the London Olympics in 2012.

“Relations between the BOA and USOC have always been close, but with this agreement, and with partners such as Larry Probst and Scott Blackmun, we enter a new era of trust, respect and collaboration,” BOA chief Colin Moynihan said.

“In just over two years, we will welcome the world to London for the 2012 Olympic Games, and now is the perfect time to strengthen long-standing friendships and develop new ones.”

USOC Chairman Larry Probst said: "The special relationship between Great Britain and the United States has been bolstered by this agreement. Lord Moynihan is to be commended for his commitment to partnership and advancing the important ideals of the Olympic Movement.”

The landmark agreement was finalized during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and signed this week.

Funeral for Rochette Family

Canadian Olympic figure skater Joannie Rochette will attend her mother’s funeral Thursday.

Therese Rochette, 55, died of a heart attack just before her daughter was set to compete in short program in Vancouver.

Joannie Rochette ended up winning bronze.

The funeral is scheduled in Berthierville, Quebec.

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Written by Ed Hula III and Isia Reaves.