January 1/07 5:09 am - Verbruggen Most Influential IOC Member for 2007

Posted by Editor on 01/1/07
 

Verbruggen Most Influential IOC Member for 2007

Around the Rings, a website that tracks International Olympic Committee business, has chosen former UCI President (and IOC member) Hein Verbruggen as the most influential person in the Olympic movement:

Top spot in the Around the Rings Golden 25 for 2007 goes to the person who functions as the IOC's bridge to the Beijing Olympics, now just over 18 months away.

Hein Verbruggen, chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for Beijing, holds the number one position in the 11th edition of the Golden 25. The annual compilation points the way to who will be most influential in the year ahead for the Olympic Movement.

"The work of Hein Verbruggen is critical to a smooth run-up to the Beijing Olympics. He has built good relationships with Beijing leaders and has the ear of the IOC.

"Given the scrutiny that the Beijing Olympics are receiving, the IOC needs a steady hand like Verbruggen to guide the way to 2008," said Ed Hula, editor and founder of Around the Rings.

The Golden 25 for 2007 Special Edition is available for download at www.aroundtherings.com/se/Golden25_2007.pdf.

Denis Oswald, the IOC member overseeing London 2012's preparations, was ranked number two. IOC President Jacques Rogge was ranked number three. Canadian Dick Pound, the head of WADA came in at number 6, a drop from 3rd in 2006.

For the first time, The Golden 25 Special Edition includes a section devoted to some of the women worth watching in the coming year. Also new for 2007 - notables listed according to continental association.

Editor Ed Hula says the Golden 25 is different from "year in review" lists because the focus is on who will make a difference in the year ahead - not who was in the news for 2006.