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Juan Antonio Samaranch
IOC Vice President
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Sergeii Bubka
IOC member, Athlete legend
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The Power of Dialogue
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Dear Colleagues,
One of the privileges of working in sports journalism is the opportunity to sit down with the most influential figures in international sport, to hear their thinking, and to see the direction the sporting world is heading. The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games provided just such an occasion. As AIPS Vice President and sports journalist,
I interviewed Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., Vice President of the International Olympic Committee, who warmly called me his favourite journalist, one who always keeps him on his toes with her questions.
I must admit, I took his words as a true compliment. I met a sports leader who is living through and actively shaping the changes that define international sport today. Our conversation went well beyond the usual Olympic topics. Beyond the organisational challenges, we spoke about why renewal in the world of sport is not a matter of choice but of necessity.
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What the IOC has recognised may hold true for us as well
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The success of the Milano Cortina Olympics was no accident. Although the spread out venues posed serious logistical challenges, the Italians responded to every problem with hard work and well considered decisions. Vice President Samaranch himself stressed that this was not improvisation but determination and professional readiness.
What I found to be the most defining theme, however, was the IOC's Fit for the Future programme. The International Olympic Committee has recognised that renewal is not optional but essential. Virtually everything is under review: the Olympic programme, the revenue model, the digital strategy, and engagement with the younger generation.
For newly elected President Kirsty Coventry, this Winter Olympics was the first major test, and as Samaranch put it, her focused, decisive leadership delivered results. As I listened, it reinforced what I have long believed: what the IOC has recognised about itself may hold true for AIPS as well. We too must have the courage to face where we stand and where we want to go.
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I am running for AIPS President in the election on April 12 because I am convinced that, building on the solid foundations already in place, the time for renewal has come. Just as the IOC is seeking new directions through its Fit for the Future programme, AIPS too needs to rethink how it operates and face the challenges ahead with greater resolve. The full details of my presidential programme are available at csisztu.com. I count on your support.
With respect and friendship,
Dr Zsuzsa Csisztu
AIPS Vice President | AIPS Presidential Candidate
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