RunBlogRun opines: The LOC presser featured Jackie Brock-Doyle, IAAF comm, Olivier Gers, IAAF CEO, Seb Coe, IAAF President/COO, Ed Warner, Chair, LOC, Neils De Vos, LOC. Such pressers are interesting because of what is not said, as much as what is said. It is a fascinating view of athletic statespersonship.
Usain Bolt, photo by the PhotoRun.net
Jackie Brock-Doyle, who worked with Lord Coe during the London 2012 Olympics ran the presser, as she is influencing the communications department at the IAAF. Olivier Gers, the new IAAF COO, Seb Coe, IAAF CEO were also featured with Ed Warner, CEO, London LOC and Neils De Vos, CEO of British Athletics as well as board member for London 2017.
The presser was pretty good. Highlights were that Seb Coe noted that IAAF would continue to reassign medals, as needed, due to increased and more effective drug testing. Coe is quite articulate, and does amazing press conferences. His ability to deal with the British media, on most occassions is quite admirable. Ed Warner and Neils De Vos were basking in the glory of a successful London World Champs, and with the terrible events in Barcelona and Turku, Finland this week, London’s success is even more impressive.
The most impressive statements on the changes that the IAAF knows will have to come in recognizing the success of social media in promoting the sport in general and the London 2017 championships in particular.