“Public opinion and political opinion was moving toward an actual boycott of the games, and it was only the earthquake tragedy that diverted attention from what could otherwise have been something very, very serious.”
Tuesday, during an otherwise routine IOC session, he suggested the Beijing Games might have faced political boycotts if not for the goodwill that poured in from around the world after the May earthquake in Sichuan province.
Pretty darn strong words, regarding China being selected as host nations, and also the way the IOC has handled the freedom of speech/media, and torch relays. Prolly one of the most outspoken official IOC members in the last few years. Pound lost to Jacques Rogge for becoming President of IOC in 2001, days after Toronto lost to Beijing.
