Denis Oswald Throws Hat into IOC Presidential Ring

International Rowing Federation (FISA) President Denis Oswald has confirmed his candidacy for the President position at the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Oswald, 66, sent a letter to IOC members on Friday to announce his intentions to replace current IOC President Jacques Rogge.

He said it was ‘with great honour and humility’ that he would enter the race to run the top job in the Olympic movement.

“My 40 years of service to the Olympic movement have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of our organization as well as its role and significance in the wider world,” Oswald added.

“This knowledge and experience … will enable me to advance the Olympic cause and enhance the IOC’s authority as the leader of world sport.”

Oswald was a rower in three Olympic Games and has been an IOC member since 1991.

In 2000 he became a member of the IOC’s Executive Board and in 2005 he presided over the IOC’s Coordination Committee for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.

Oswald is the fifth candidate to announce his intentions to replace Rogge, behind Thomas Bach of Germany, Ng Ser Miang of Singapore, Puerto Rico’s Richard Carrion and C.K. Wu of Taiwan.

Rogge will step down in September after 12 years at the helm.

The new President will be announced at the IOC meeting in Buenos Aires.

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