Dagmar Friday: Olympics “at any price” and announcement to Alfons Hörmann

Dagmar Freitag on the implementation of the Olympic Games, grievances at the IOC and Alfons Hörmann

• The Olympic Games will take place without spectators *

• Even so, the conduct of the games during the pandemic has been criticized

• Politician Dagmar Freitag finds clear words

Munich - The Olympic Games in Tokyo will take place without spectators.

Dagmar Freitag (68), chairman of the sports committee in the Bundestag, speaks to our newspaper about a “concert without guests”, Thomas Bach and Alfons Hörmann.

Ms. Friday, the Tokyo Medical Association spoke out in favor of canceling the Olympic Games. Polls among the population also show skepticism. Nevertheless, the games are now being pulled through. The wrong decision?

Tens of thousands of people from all continents will fly into Tokyo, and that in times when more and more mutations of the coronavirus are becoming known. The number of infections in Tokyo is increasing; Prime Minister Suga has declared a corona emergency for the city. But the same Prime Minister stands steadfastly at the side of IOC President Bach; both will pull through these games. And I think one can add, at any cost. We all know from the experience of the last few months that these much-vaunted hygiene bubbles are full of holes and that a really safe hygiene concept for thousands of athletes from all regions of the world is unlikely to be feasible.Perhaps the corona pandemic should have been seen as a break, especially in international sport, and should have used the opportunity to reflect on undesirable developments and grievances. The current considerations of completely foregoing spectators are at least a sensible approach from a pandemic point of view; However, I only believe it when there are actually no spectators at and in the sports facilities.

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© Bernd Thissen

Isn't the sense of the Olympics missed a bit if it becomes an event without foreign spectators and helpers?

It is similar to a concert with no guests that is only broadcast online.

It should be clear to everyone that the special atmosphere and the original spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games are completely reduced to absurdity.

The athletes' spokesmen complained that there was very little participation in planning the Olympic Games.

What is athlete spokespersons for when the IOC decides everything?

Athletes not only, but especially in the IOC, still have a difficult time getting their demands through.

However, the development shows that with the establishment of independent and independent athlete representatives, such as

B. Athleten Deutschland eV, a self-confident movement that is getting stronger and stronger all over the world is getting underway, which is putting increasing pressure on the decision-making structures of international associations and is seeing initial successes.

Are you confident that the IOC will in future respond more to the wishes of athletes and not just think about their own interests?

I still don't see any real insight.

But that also has to do with the fact that the IOC's own athletes' representation has never attracted attention through independent or even revolutionary proposals.

But in the 21st century and today's possibilities of fast worldwide networking, athletes should be able to organize themselves as opinionated and assertive stakeholders of the sports system.

Thomas Bach is not without controversy as president.

How do you rate his demeanor over the past few years?

From my point of view, Bach turned his followers in the exclusive circle of sport-political power into loyal supporters thanks to an admittedly extremely successfully developed business model of the Olympic Games. From my point of view, this was last shown in downright bizarre addresses of applause when he was re-elected. At the same time, to put it cautiously, he showed a remarkable forbearance towards Russia, which is known to have undermined anti-doping rules in an unbelievable way. And that even though Russia to this day shows no insight or even remorse about a fraud of this dimension that has never been seen in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In addition, there is, in my opinion, its uncritical proximity to the rulers of autocratic states.The fact that major sporting events in such countries would lead to noticeable and sustainable socio-political improvements is often cited as an argument for such decisions. However, I do not see that in China, for example, since the 2008 Games, democratic structures, freedom of the press and freedom of expression, respect for human rights and respect for minorities have developed to advantage - on the contrary.But on the contrary.But on the contrary.

The Olympic Charter has so far forbidden athletes from expressing themselves politically and demonstrating during the Games.

A rule that is obsolete?

I believe athletes must be allowed to stand up for universal human rights anywhere in the world.

This is an expression of socio-political commitment, as everyone is entitled to.

At the suggestion of the IOC Athletes Commission, the IOC executive has now decided to restrict protests and expressions of political opinion at the Tokyo Games, provided that these are "in accordance with the basic principles of the Olympic Movement, not directly or indirectly against persons, countries, Organizations and / or their dignity are directed and not disruptive ”.

A step that is only gratifying at first glance: The IOC retains the authority to interpret.

There were also allegations against Alfons Hörmann at the DOSB.

Thomas de Maiziere's report strongly criticized Hörmann's management style and the climate within the association.

Wouldn't it have been best to resign immediately?

In my opinion that would have been the cleanest solution after this damning judgment by the in-house ethics committee.

At least I would have expected Mr. Hörmann to leave his office.

I find it amazing how easily a president who has been criticized in this way goes 'business as usual' with his presidium and naturally also claims the leadership of the delegation for the German Olympic team.

(Interview: Nico-Marius Schmitz) * merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA