(ATR) Japan is about to lose its two IOC members to retirement. They are among a group of high profile members stepping down in 2011 as they hit age limits, too.
Both Chiharu Igaya and Sunchiro Okano turn 80 in 2011, mandatory retirement age for members elected after 1976 and before 2000.
Igaya, who in 1956 became the first Asian athlete to medal in alpine events at the Winter Olympics, was elected to the IOC in 1982. Okano was elected in 1990, coming from a career in football. He coached the Japanese team at the 1964 Tokyo Games and won a bronze medal in 1968 as a team member.
While the intentions of the IOC Nominations Commission are not known yet, it is possible that Japan Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda will be tapped for one of the seats held by the retiring Japanese members.
While past practice of the IOC has been to allow countries which have hosted the Olympics at least two IOC members, the likelihood is slim that two Japanese will be nominated this year at the same time.
With the possibility of a Japanese bid for 2020, the JOC is keen to keep continuity with at least one new member. As a matter of pride, too: the JOC celebrates its 100th anniversary in the days just after the IOC Session in July. The JOC will also play host to the Olympic Council of Asia General Assembly in Tokyo at the same time.
The IOC Nominations Commission, chaired by Francisco Elizalde of the Philippines, will generate a number of nominations for election at the IOC Session in July. With the IOC Executive Board needing to ratify all nominations, the names could become known in April, the last EB meeting ahead of the Durban IOC Session.
A spokesman in the IOC Communications office tells ATR the exact timetable is not yet known.
With 112 current IOC members, the retirement of seven will in theory leave the body with 10 openings to reach the maximum of 115. Usually the IOC elects from three to six new members at each session.
Along with the priority Japan might enjoy with a new IOC member, the IOC is also under pressure to add more women to the membership.
Currently 19 women are IOC members, just 16 percent.
Other members retiring in 2011 include:
Phil Coles, Australia, who turns 80. He has served since 1982.
Kip Keino, Kenya, who is covered by the age 70 retirement after 11 years as IOC member,
Arne Ljungqvist, Sweden, chair of the IOC Medical Commission, is turning 80. He has been an IOC member since 1994. He additionally serves as the IOC’s representative on the World Anti Doping Agency Executive and Foundation boards.
Lassana Palenfo, Cote d’Ivoire, will turn 70. He became an IOC member in 2000.
Antun Vrdoljak, Croatia, is 80 in June. He joined the IOC in 1995.
Written by Ed Hula.