Jiri Kejval Joins the IOC -- ATRadio

(ATR) The newest member of the International Olympic Committee says he is ready to contribute to a changing Olympic Movement.

"I see lot of changes in a very good direction," Jiri Kejval tells Around the Rings on the latest edition of ATRadio from PyeongChang. "The changes are under the [Agenda] 2020, I very much believe in all of those changes and I would like to participate so there’s a broad portfolio of the changes and projects to bring Olympism closer to the people, especially the younger generation."

Kejval spoke with ATR at the opening of the Czech Republic Olympic hospitality house just two days after being elected as the 100th member of the IOC during the Session preceding the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics.

The president of the Czech Olympic Committee says his election as the 100th IOC member carries extra symbolism as this is the 100th year after the establishment of the Czech Republic.

Originally up for consideration at last September’s IOC Session in Lima, Peru, Kejval said the IOC needed time to vet his credentials.

"The IOC made a good decision because after Lima the IOC started to do due diligence into my life and they realized I haven’t done anything wrong so they cleared me," Kejval said. "Now I can do what I want to do which is for Olympism, which is most important especially now in the Olympics is to work for the Czech athletes."

Kejval is in PyeongChang as the leader of more than 90 Czech athletes in the Winter Olympics now underway in South Korea. He is optimistic for strong performances across the seven Winter Olympic sports.

Listen to the full interview with Kejval and ATR Reporter Brian Pinelli below:

Written by Kevin Nutley

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