Andrzej Duda’s disarming honesty regarding the IOC. “I’m known for it”

Andrzej Duda officially became the Polish candidate for the IOC. The vote on the presidential nomination was controversial. Not only did he appear unexpectedly at the very end of the POC management board meeting, but many members were absent from it. Some activists do not agree that Poland will send an active politician to the IOC instead of one of the distinguished athletes.

Andrzej Duda commenting on the Polish Olympic Committee’s recommendation, he said that “it is extremely nice”. In an interview with RMF FM, the president explained that “the function of an actual IOC member is not related to a full-time position or any salary, it is very prestigious in the international world, especially the Olympic world, and this is the essence of this function.”

Andrzej Duda on his nomination to the IOC. Surprising words from the president

He emphasized that “is well known in the IOC community and has been involved in issues related to Olympism for many years“. – I have met the IOC authorities many times, we also visited the IOC several times Thomas Bach in Poland, both in Warsaw and Kraków, for example in connection with the centenary of the Polish Olympic Committee. There were also the European Games, not only did we organize them, but we hosted a whole host of people associated with the IOC. In this environment, I am a person who is known for being involved in the Olympic movement – said the head of state.

When asked about his chances of being nominated, Andrzej Duda replied that he approached the whole matter calmly and noted that “the decision will only be made when the organization officially announces it.” – This is the IOC’s decision and whatever it is, it will be – he said.

Maja Włoszczowska responds to Andrzej Duda

Later in the conversation, the president also referred to the suggestion that his nomination blocked Maja Włoszczowska’s place. The politician explained that the two-time Olympic runner-up is a member of the IOC in a different role – on behalf of the athletes, with a full-time position in this organization.

These explanations did not fully convince the cyclist. In a statement posted on social media, the player noted that “There is no “full-time” membership in the IOC linked to a salary“. “All IOC members (permanent, representing the federation, Olympic committees or athletes) receive allowances for their duties (trips, commissions),” she said.

Maja Włoszczowska has been a member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission since 2021. Her term ends in 2028.