Golden 25 -- #7 Larry Probst

(ATR)The U.S. Olympic Committee chairman is the pilot for the 2024 bid from the U.S., city to be decided in early 2015 from Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

While he is the junior of four U.S. IOC members, Probst, 64, has the ear of his colleagues who are intrigued about the possibility of the first Summer Olympics since Atlanta in 1996.

Beyond the IOC, Probst is expected to have some influence in the eventual leadership changes coming to the Pan American Sports Organization in the next two years.

Probst should have more time to spend on Olympic quests after resigning this month from his executive posting at gaming giant EA, where he will remain on the board of directors.

2014 ranking: 9

The Around the Rings Golden 25, now in its 19th year, is sponsored by EY.

The list spotlights 25 individuals who will have substantial influence on the Olympic Movement in the year ahead. The Golden 25 is compiled by the staff of Around the Rings, the world’s most experienced journalistic team dedicated to covering the Olympics.

The countdown from number 25 began December 20. The number-one position will be announced Jan 1, 2015.

Reported by Ed Hula

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