National Olympic Committee Research Articles

The negative implications of Russia’s doping scandal on the country’s international image

In December 2014, Russia was accused of developing a state-organized doping system in the second decade of the twenty-first century. The scandal resulted in many Russian athletes being banned from competing in the Olympics in Rio in 2016 and the IOC’s suspension of the Russian National Olympic Committee prior to the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. The research presented in this article aims to answer the research question of whether the doping scandal actually affected the international image of Russia. The research was conducted with the use of frame analysis of public discourse. The hypothesis to be tested states that the Russian doping scandal contributed to the intensification of a negative external image of this state.

Compliance with needle-use declarations at two Olympic Winter Games: Sochi (2014) and PyeongChang (2018)

ObjectivesWe describe compliance with the ‘IOC Needle Policy’ at two Winter Olympic Games (Sochi and PyeongChang) and compare these findings to those of the Summer Olympic Games of Rio de...

How do the new Olympic sports compare with the traditional Olympic sports? Injury and illness at the 2018 Youth Olympic Summer Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina

ObjectiveTo describe injuries and illnesses across traditional and new sports among the participating athletes of the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Summer Games (BA YOG) (6–18 October 2018).MethodsWe recorded the...

Elbow Injuries Detected on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Athletes Participating in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

Athletes are prone to both acute and chronic overuse injuries of the elbow joint. The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency, anatomic distribution, and severity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected elbow joint injuries among athletes who competed in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympics. All sports injuries reported by the National Olympic Committee medical teams and the Organizing Committee medical staff during the 2016 Summer Olympics were analyzed. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at the International Olympic Committee's polyclinic within the Olympic Village, using 3- and 1.5-T scanners. The MRIs were read centrally and retrospectively by musculoskeletal radiologists with expertise in sports injuries. The distribution of elbow joint injuries by anatomic location and sports discipline and the severity of injuries were recorded. A total of 1101 injuries were reported in the 11,274 athletes from 207 teams at the Games. Central review of MRI revealed elbow joint injuries in 15 athletes (60% male; median age, 22 years; range, 18-39 years). Ligamentous injuries were most common, with injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament being the most prevalent (n = 12; 80%), followed by the common flexor tendon (n = 8; 53%). Osseous injuries were far less common (n = 3; 20%), with no acute fractures seen. Weightlifting (n = 4; 27%) and judo (n = 4; 27%) athletes were most commonly affected. Magnetic resonance imaging-detected elbow injuries during the 2016 Summer Olympics affected mainly the ulnar collateral ligament and the common flexor tendon, with the highest occurrence in weight lifting and judo.

Crafting Critical Echoes in Sport Organizations: Oral Histories of, and Possibilities for, the New Zealand Olympic Committee

Sport organizations’ digital spaces (e.g. organizational websites, fanzines, blogs, electronic repositories and social media) are, potentially, rich empirical terrain in which sport narratives may be (re)presented, mobilised and challenged, and content disseminated to wider audiences. Drawing on New Zealand’s participation in the Olympic movement, and the national Olympic Committee’s efforts to embrace historical thinking, we consider the confluence of oral and digital approaches. More widely, we examine how sport organizations might utilise oral histories and digital spaces to engage audiences more effectively with critical understanding of the past. To note, progressive shifts in museum and heritage studies have advocated ideological and institutional redirection, critical reflection and radical departures from traditional representational practices. In these processes, oral histories have been identified as a key means to these ends. Presenting vignettes constructed from interviews with sport participants, we interrogate connections between oral history, narrative making and public heritage praxis.

Sports injury and illness incidence in the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games: a prospective study of 2914 athletes from 92 countries

ObjectiveTo describe the incidence of injuries and illnesses sustained during the XXIII Olympic Winter Games, hosted by PyeongChang on 9–25 February 2018.MethodsWe recorded the daily number of athlete injuries and...

Status of Complaints in Central Sport Federations of Iraqi National Olympic Committee (INOC)

Status of Complaints in Central Sport Federations of Iraqi National Olympic Committee (INOC)

Prevalence of MRI-Detected Ankle Injuries in Athletes in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympics

To describe the prevalence, severity, and location of ankle injuries as assessed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in athletes participating in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympic Games. We analyzed all ankle MRIs that were acquired for suspected injury as reported by the National Olympic Committee medical teams and the Organizing Committee medical staff during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. Diagnostic imaging was performed through the Olympic Village Polyclinic. Images were interpreted retrospectively according to standardized criteria. A total of 11,274 athletes participated in the Games, of which 89 (8.8%) were referred for an ankle MRI. Eighty-eight of the 89 (99%) had at least 1 abnormal finding, and some had as many as 27, for an average of 6.2 abnormalities per examination. Around one-fifth of all abnormal findings were considered pre-existing (21%) and 79% were assumed to be the result of an acute or subacute injury. The highest proportion of acute/subacute injuries per athlete occurred in ball sports (7.0 injuries per examination) and in the age group >30. Most pre-existing findings per athlete were identified in the group of others (no track and field or ball sports athletes) with 2.5 findings per examination and respectively in the age group >30 (1.7). Our study demonstrated a high prevalence of acute and subacute, but also pre-existing injuries in Olympic athletes undergoing ankle MRI. Tendon injuries were the most common acute injuries, found mainly in ball sports athletes. Most pre-existing ankle injuries were identified at the ligaments.

Differences of perception between private and public officers in an organizing committee concerning stakeholders of an international sporting event

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the perception of public and private officers of stakeholder at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games 2018. This event was selected as the subject of this research as it is the most recent mega-scale international sporting event and, given that the organizing committee (OC) is currently operating, it afforded a unique opportunity to investigate the staff of the organization. To clarify the research questions, this research identified stakeholders of Olympic Games.Design/methodology/approachThe research questions were examined by a stakeholder analysis that measured and compared perceptions conducted according to the stakeholder theory (Freeman, 2010) and previous research (Naraine et al., 2016).FindingsThis study identifies eight stakeholders of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games: the OC, the International Olympics Committee, National Olympic Committee, central government, local government, media, sponsors and non-government organizations. The authors pointed out that public officers are more sensitive to the opinions and movements of community members than private staff. Conversely, the authors found that the private staffs regard the media and influential stakeholders as more important compared with public officers.Originality/valueBased on the findings from the Olympics committee, this study contributes to the academic literature related to sporting events and their stakeholders by providing the most up-to-date identification of stakeholders.

DEPORTE, OLIMPISMO Y JUVENTUD

This paper focuses on the debate, reflections and recommendations which were the result of the work carried out by the Francophone Discussion Group number 1 in the 14th Joint International Session for Presidents or Directors of National Olympic Academies & Officials of National Olympic Committees, held at the headquarters of the International Olympic Academy in Olympia (Greece) from May 6 to 13, in 2018. He has been cited as author of the text that summarizes the content of that joint work Mr. Ivan Coste-Maniere, since he is the author of the text and its writing, carried out the work of collecting and writing the content of the deliberations and was commissioned of the presentation of the summary thereof before the General Assembly.Key words: Olympism, Olympic Values, Olympic Movement

Система подготовки спортсменов в Нидерландах

Objective. To reveal and summarize the peculiarities of athlete preparation system functioning in the Netherlands. Methods. Analysis and generalization of data from scientific and documentary sources. Results. The main goal of sport development is to make the Netherlands among the top ten world’s leading sports countries. The development of sport is the responsibility of the National Olympic Committee with sports federations, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Social Welfare and Sport. Since 2004, the country has implemented four-year sports development programs. The main efforts are aimed at creating an effective and flexible organization of the sports sector with the introduction and application of modern principles of management and integrity; the achievement of stable and higher sport financing to make it financially secure, diversified and actively developing; the formation of an appropriate infrastructure; the development and implementation of training programs that qualitatively and quantitatively increase the competitiveness of athletes at the global level, covering the age period from 8 years until the end of a sports career; formation of effective and efficient training programs for coaches and managers; the provision of medical services in the conditions of centralized training and at the place of residence; monitoring the implementation of targeted programs and activities of the Olympic Committee; scientific support and the use of innovations through the improvement of interdisciplinary connections, the integration of sports science and practice. Conclusion. The modern system of athletes’ preparation in the Netherlands is based on the development of sports infrastructure; talent identification and development; support of athletes and the opportunity for them to get a double career; the training of highly qualified coaches and sports managers; providing permanent individual medical care for athletes; promoting sports programs; anti-doping activities; monitoring the development of sport; scientific support and the use of innovations; sports promotion. Keywords: the Netherlands, Olympic sport, organization, financing, athlete preparation, sports centers, scientific support.

#OlympicLab – результаты и перспективы проекта

Objective of the article is to open main tasks of the #OlympicLab and to show projects’ achievements and results. Methods. Theoretical analysis and generalization, the method of analogy, comparative-historical and descriptive statistics. Results. Olympic movement and Olympic education, as well as sport in general, is becoming increasingly popular in society. It gives new challenges adaptation of sustainable projects to the modern needs of the population. Olympic Academy of Ukraine is one of the best Olympic Academies in the whole world. In addition to the Olympic education projects conducted by the Olympic Academy of Ukraine, there is a network of the schools of Olympic education in Ukraine, which curriculum contains additional lessons and activities in Olympic education. Analyzing current position of the Olympic education in Ukraine, we can come to the conclusion that all projects are already sustainable and are those that have met the tasks, but our world is developing too fast. That is why we have to take into consideration “time’” requirements. #OlympicLab – is a new form of the Olympic education. The project is up to the modern demands and has free access for everyone who would like to be acquainted with all aspects of the Olympic movement and sport. In turn, #OlympicLab includes 6 modules which are based on the Learn and Share program of the Youth Olympic Games and the annual NOC of Ukraine project – Olympic lesson. #OlympicLab project was launched in Ukraine in 2016. From 2016 to October 2018, the number of participants of the #OlympicLab is more than 33,210 persons. Also, for this period 934 educational institutions took part in the project, and more than 155 events were held throughout Ukraine. Conclusion. The increasing number of participants, educational institutions and events of the #OlympicLab shows rise of popularity of the project and its’ development. The #OlympicLab tasks confirm the flexibility and complexity along with the multi-functionality of the project tasks themselves. #OlympicLab project is being improved and developed, we hope to promote it and offer it to the National Olympic Committees in other countries. Keywords: Olympic education, #OlympicLab, Olympic movement.

용무도의 캄보디아 NOC 체결과정에 관한 자문화기술지

본 연구의 목적은 용무도의 캄보디아 NOC 체결과정에서 연구자의 경험과 다양한 감정을 학문적으로 기술하는데 있다. 이를 위해 자문화기술지로 일련의 과정을 서술하였다. 자기회상, 자기반성, 참여자 관찰, 연구일지, 심층인터뷰, 문서분석을 통해 연구결과를 도출하였고, 그 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 용무도의 해외진출을 위해 현지에 이미 한국무도가 전파된 곳, 그리고 국제용 무도 대회에 참가한 경험이 있는 국가를 우선적으로 선별하였다. 둘째, 용무도를 알리기 위한 본격적인 홍보활동의 시작은 용무도 시범을 통해 현지 한인회 관계자의 도움으로 사업추진을 시작할 수 있었다. 셋째, 어려운 상황과 갈등속에서 정착하기 시작한 용무도는 캄보디아의 전형적인 개발도상국형 문화와 현지 초기 용무도회장과의 갈등을 통해 어려움을 겪었다. 하지만 캄보디아 용무도협회를 설립하고 용무도의 캄보디아 NOC 정식가맹으로 한국 용무도 역사상 최초로 해외 정식 가맹을 이루었다. 결론적으로 용무도를 해외에 전파하기 위해서는 개인적인 노력과 함께 스포츠의 외교적인 측면에서 또는 국익 차원에서 지속적인 지원이 필요함을 알 수 있었다.

"Exercise is Medicine Exercise is Wellness" 4th Scientific Session of SLSMA

The Sri Lanka Sports Medicine Association (SLSMA) is organizing the 4th Scientific Sessions this year in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Sri Lanka under the theme “Exercise is Medicine Exercise is Wellness” from 24th to 26th November 2018 at Olympic House, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event is endorsed by the Asian Federation of Sports Medicine (AFSM).

Medical services at the 2017 Sapporo Asian winter games: injury and illness epidemiology at a 34-nation multisport event

ObjectivesWe describe the medical services provided and report the injuries and illnesses that occurred at the eighth Asian Winter Games 2017.MethodsA total of 2010 athletes and team officials from 32...

Portuguese Fight Against Match-Fixing: Which Policies and What Ethic?

Since 2015, several institutions have been implementing educational and awareness programs to fight against match-fixing in Portugal. This article gives an account of the political measures and campaigns implemented to tackle this problem. It addresses some ethical dilemmas that underline the preventative discourses and key cognitive limitations of the policy-making process. Prevention campaigns has often been created in a top-down approach where players, referees and coaches are guided to undertake attitudes and behaviours institutionally shaped, often determined by stakeholders out of the sports industry. Moreover, the problem tends to be confined as an exclusive issue of the sports industry. To counteract this limitation, the National Olympic Committee has developed an integrity program that comprehensively addresses good governance and institutional transparency as key factors to combat the phenomenon. However, the domestic policy-making process does not include integrity as a risk factor opening avenues to widespread trans-national organized crime infiltration in sport.

Information Wars and Sanctions of the International Olympic Committee as Means of Political Pressure on the Russian Sport and Public Opinion

Combating doping has turned into a subject of harsh political pressure on Russia and the Russian public opinion in the run-up to the presidential elections in Russia in 2018. The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee has suspended the activities of the Russian Olympic Committee and allowed the Russian athletes to perform in PyeongChang Games-2018 under the Olympic f lag in the status of «Olympic Athletes from Russia». The article considers the violated fundamental principles and norms of the international law and the human rights enshrined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention for the Protection of Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and guaranteed by constitutions of civilized states and by the Olympic Charter Rules. The decline of Russian representation in international organizations has resulted in the violation of the fundamental principles and essential values of Olympism, the Olympic Charter and in infringement of human rights and liberties. The Olympic Charter permits the athletes to challenge penalties relating to participation in the Olympic Games exclusively in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The study of judicial practice and legal precedents in national courts gives credence to the right of any person/entity to judicial protection of honour, dignity and business reputation from distribution of unfaithful defamatory information and to the right to demand compensation of losses and non- pecuniary damage at civil courts.The article gives some examples of athletes applying to the national courts with legal claims for compensation for professional and non-pecuniary damage. The issues of defence of the National Olympic Committee, the Paralympic Committee, the interests and professional reputation of athletes of the great sporting empire should be handled originally at the governmental level, with involvement of international law counsellors. It is necessary to reform the sports system and the anti-doping laws. WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) activities and the sport management system should be transparent, comprehensible and verifiable.

Modifying Olympics Medal Table via a Stochastic Multicriteria Acceptability Analysis

This paper addresses the issue of developing a widely accepted Olympics ranking scheme based upon the Olympic Game medal table published by the International Olympic Committee, since the existing lexicographic ranking and sum ranking systems are both criticized as biases. More specifically, the lexicographic ranking system is deemed as overvaluing gold medals, while the sum ranking system fails to reveal the real value of gold medals and fails to discriminate National Olympic Committees that won equal number of medals. To start, we employ a sophisticated mathematical method based upon the incenter of a convex cone to aggregate the lexicographic ranking system. Then, we consider the fact that the preferences between the lexicographic and the sum ranking systems may not be consistent across National Olympic Committees and develop a well-designed mathematical transformation to obtain interval assessment results under typical preference. The formulation of intervals is inspired by the observation that it is extremely difficult to achieve a group consensus on the exact value of weights with respect to each ranking system, since different weight elicitation methods may produce different weight schemes. Finally, regarding the derived decision making problem involving interval-valued data, this paper utilizes the Stochastic Multicriteria Acceptability Analysis to obtain a comprehensive ranking of all National Olympic Committees. Instead of determining precise weights, this work probes the weight space to guarantee each alternative getting the most preferred one. The proposed method is illustrated by presenting a new ranking of 12 National Olympic Committees participating in the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

1947 Korean Olympic Committee provisional recognition and the role of Avery Brundage

[Purpose] It has been known that Korean Olympic Committee (KOC) was recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on June 20th of 1947, based on the fact that Korea National Olympic Committee (NOC) was recognized by the IOC session held in June of 1947. However, records and archives show that the recognition and the following conditions were somewhat different than what we have known. This study aimed to examine closely and explain how KOC was recognized in 1947, what was the conditions, and what was the role of Avery Brundage related to this agenda. [Methods] This study is a literature review. Brundage Collection, a package of records and letters which Avery Brundage has collected, and the archives of KOC in IOC Olympic Studies Center were examined. [Results] According to the records, Korean NOC was recognized provisionally with a condition of reviewing the situation of an independent nation and responsible for including the North Korean athletes. The unusual recognition appeared to be possible by the role and decision of Avery Brundage who defended the political and military situation of Korean peninsula. [Conclusions] The reviewed documents suggest a need of revision of KOC history as that KOC has been provisionally recognized in 1947 with some conditions. IOC viewed and recognized Korea as a single country and required KOC to include North Korean athletes. The role of Brundage should be revisited.

The epidemiology of MRI-detected pelvic injuries in athletes in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympics

ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence, severity and location of pelvic injuries, including hip, muscle and tendon pathologies, as assessed on MRI in athletes participating in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympic Games. MethodsWe analyzed all pelvic MRIs that were acquired for suspected injury as reported by the National Olympic Committee (NOC) medical teams and the Organizing Committee medical staff during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. Diagnostic imaging was performed through the Olympic Village Polyclinic, using 3 T and 1.5 T MR scanners. Images were interpreted retrospectively according to standardized criteria. ResultsA total of 11,274 athletes participated in the Games, of which 40 (0,4%) were referred for a pelvic MRI. Thirty-seven of the 40 (92%) had at least one abnormal finding, and some had as many as 17, for an average of 4.1 pathologies per examination. Almost half of all abnormal findings were assessed as pre-existing (46%). The majority of acute/subacute injuries were observed in track and field athletes (44%), whereas the highest number of pre-existing findings was seen in ball-sports athletes (39%). Forty-seven per cent of all acute/subacute injuries were muscle injuries with the gluteus maximus muscle the most commonly affected. In contrast, most pre-existing findings were detected at the symphysis (59%). ConclusionOur study demonstrated a high prevalence of both acute/subacute injuries and chronic changes in Olympic athletes undergoing pelvic MRI. Muscle injuries were the most common acute injuries, found mainly in track and field athletes. Most chronic changes were identified at the symphysis region in ball-sports athletes.