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UPDATE: Polish president recommended for IOC membership

13.12.2024 22:30
The Polish Olympic Committee (PKOl) has recommended President Andrzej Duda as Poland's candidate for membership in the International Olympic Committee (IOC), according to PKOl head Radosław Piesiewicz.
Polish President Andrzej Duda.
Polish President Andrzej Duda.Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak

The PKOl board approved Duda's candidacy with 29 votes in favour, four against and six abstentions, Piesiewicz told reporters on Thursday.

But after he shared the news with the media, a source at the Polish President's Office said the recommendation took the Presidential Palace by surprise.

According to the source, who wished to remain anonymous, the President's Office is waiting for an official announcement from the Polish Olympic Committee.

Duda's second term as Poland's president ends in August 2025, and Polish media have speculated for some time about his potential post-presidency plans.

The president has for years maintained close contacts with both the national and international Olympic movements, as well as with numerous IOC members.

He regularly takes part in the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games. Three years ago, he bestowed the Cross of the Grand Order of Merit, a high Polish state honour, on IOC President Thomas Bach.

Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the IOC is the governing body of the global Olympic movement. It currently has 111 members, each serving an eight-year term.

At present, Poland's only IOC member is retired mountain biker Maja Włoszczowska, a two-time Olympic silver medallist.

The IOC's membership also includes political figures such as former Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović.

Candidates for membership must secure recommendations from three current members.

The next IOC president will be elected at a session in Athens in March. Among the seven candidates vying for the position are Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein, brother of the King of Jordan, and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., son of the former IOC president.

(mk/gs)

Source: IAR, PAP