(ATR) There are few individuals in the membership of the IOC who have invested the time and energy of Gunilla Lindberg.
She travelled hundreds of thousands of miles over the seven years she led the IOC CoComm for PyeongChang 2018, more than enough for most people. But that came on top of her work as secretary general of ANOC, a title she’s held since 2004 and which may grow more complex in the year ahead.
Her ANOC work already requires substantial time and travel. She’ll play a key role overseeing preps for the first ANOC Beach Games next October in San Diego.
Now in the absence of Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, self-suspended as an IOC member and president of ANOC, Lindberg’s steady hand and familiarity will minimize the administrative disruption. She is an obvious candidate to take the presidency should the Sheikh not return.
Lindberg, has eight years left till age 80 retirement from the IOC. She was elected in 1996, already having served seven years as secretary general of the Swedish NOC. She’s about to celebrate her 30th anniversary with the NOC.
Lindberg will help shape upcoming Games as a member of the CoComms for the 2022 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar and Paris 2024. Her influence will also be felt if Stockholm 2026 stays alive to a vote at the 2019 IOC Session.
The Around the Rings Golden 25 is the annual survey of individuals who will have the most influence for the Olympic Movement in the year ahead. First published in 1997, this is the 22nd edition.
Reported by Ed Hula.
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