I realise I run the risk of bringing the ire of the entire Roar community down upon me, but I really think the Olympics, in its current format, has had its day.
I’m sick of the IOC having such a powerful say in the operation of sport and becoming rich off TV broadcasting deals. I’m sick of corrupt IOC delegates (and at times IOC management) rorting the system for their own profit.
I’m concerned with how much wasted money is spent on the bidding process by the cities involved.
I also believe international sporting organisations deserve a much bigger slice of the broadcast dollar pie.
Here’s how I think the Olympics should be revamped.
Every fourth year is an Olympiad year – for winter and summer sports. International sporting organisations can register to hold their own Olympic championships in that year.
The international sporting organisation retains control when and where in that year their Olympic championships are held and ownership of the broadcasting rights.
The IOC’s role would be to endorse the registrations, coordinate between sports to minimise timing clashes during the year, licence Olympic products (medals and flags) for use and provide some quality assurance.
Sporting organisations would do everything else, as they do with their own world championship events now.
This could open up the Olympics to more sports (for example a sport like Netball might choose to register) and provide greater revenue by way of broadcasting rights and sponsorships to all sports involved.
Sports can choose to hold their Olympic championships at times of the year that suit their own competition seasons.
Sports would have the flexibility to partner with each other in the delivery of their Olympic championships (for example, Swimming, Diving and Waterpolo could elect hold their Olympic championships in the same city).
It removes the necessity for a city to spend millions on the bidding process and, if successful, further millions on developing a myriad of sporting venues. That city would now concentrate on a specific type of venue if it is chosen as an Olympic venue that year.
And for the sports fan, a full year of sporting highlights.
You know it makes sense.
LeBron James is going back to the Olympics for the first time in 12 years. Steph Curry is headed to the games for the…
Olyroos coach Tony Vidmar is refusing to put a line through Nestory Irankunda's hopes of playing at the Paris Olympics after claiming he is…
The 2023-24 NBA season promised so much for the Australian contingent - for a few it’s been the ideal runway to the Paris Olympics…
Basketball superstar Lauren Jackson has been included in the extended Opals squad for the Paris Olympics, despite announcing her retirement from the international scene.…
The Brisbane Olympics stadiums fiasco has had wild twists and turns in just the last few days, but we still might not have seen…
Olympic swimming legend and Australian Sports Commission boss Kieren Perkins has warned that "someone will die" if a multi-sport event that allows athletes to…
