Olympics: Carruth could run for OCI Presidency
Thursday, 16 November 2000Michael Carruth has thrown his hat into the ring in an attempt to become the country's next Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) President. The possibility comes in the wake of the former Olympic gold medallist's condemnation of the current electoral procedures adopted by the council, which he believes are unfairly loaded in favour of those sitting on the executive.
The comments, made in yesterday's Irish Examiner, come at a time when Pat Hickey's reign as OCI President has come under increasing pressure following the Olympic kit and transport controversy, together with the latest revelations on election policy. Speaking in today's newspaper, Jack McGowan, spokesperson for the OCI, said: "Michael Carruth is welcome to go forward, if he gets the full backing of his own sporting body, the IABA (Irish Amateur Boxing Association)."
Ian Wiley, who along with Neville Maxwell, has set up the Olympics Athletes Forum to voice the concerns of Irish participants, believes that too many within the OCI are too far removed from the athletes. Also speaking to the Examiner, Wiley insisted: "It is becoming clear there are members of the OCI executive that are not aware of what is required when an athlete goes to the Olympic games."
Filed by Shane Murray
