Włoszczowska reacts to the confusion surrounding the IOC. “I’m focusing on work”
After the Polish Olympic Committee voted to recommend Andrzej Duda as an IOC member, the question arose what next for Maja Włoszczowska, who has been serving on the Basic Commission of the international committee since 2021. “For now, I am focusing on working for the athletes and the Olympic movement,” the Olympian writes in a statement.
Maja Włoszczowska, a two-time Olympic vice-champion in mountain biking, published her statement on social media. “My term on the competition committee and the associated IOC membership ends in 2028. I do not want to speculate about my potential future in the IOC structures at this time, because it is too early for that,” we read.
Włoszczowska explains the composition of the IOC
As the Olympian explained, the International Olympic Committee consists of 15 athletes, including her, 15 representatives of international federations and 15 representatives of Olympic committees.
Moreover, the committee consists of a maximum of 70 independent members, whose membership is not dependent on holding any function. “A given country can have only one representative in the group of independent members,” Włoszczowska explained.
“Each candidacy for an IOC member must be verified by the electoral commission, then approved by the executive board and put to a vote at the IOC session,” she added.
Storm after the Polish Olympic Committee’s decision
The information that Andrzej Duda had been selected by the Polish Olympic Committee for membership in the IOC appeared on Tuesday. Then it was also confirmed by the president of the Polish Olympic Committee, Radosław Piesiewicz. – At today’s board, the recommendation of President Andrzej Duda was approved by the board of the Polish Olympic Committee – he told the media.
The decision of the Polish Olympic Committee caused a storm to which many politicians reacted. “First, A. Duda arranged a position for R. Piesiewicz. Now Piesiewicz wants to retaliate against Duda in a weak style. Everything is done at the expense of a competent Polish Olympic medalist who is consistently building her international position. Women. You are having a bad time, gentlemen,” wrote Sławomir Nitras, Minister of Sport, on social media.
“Evil people apparently maneuvered the President into this Olympic scandal. As soon as he realizes that he has taken the place of an Olympic medalist, active in the IOC for years, respected and competent, he will certainly make the right decision,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
