Innsbruck, Jan 22 - “How can I become the president of the International Olympic Committee, Mr. President?”

This innocent question made IOC President Jacques ROGGE (BEL) burst into laughter. “Uh, you just need to be passionate about sports I guess”, he replied.

Such was the atmosphere at the Youth Session with ROGGE held at Congress Innsbruck on Saturday.

During the two-hour long session the IOC President answered many queries, some being light and funny, others being really thought provoking.

The most prevalent questions that athletes asked regarded the new competition formats such as mixed team and mixed NOC events that were introduced at the Innsbruck 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Athletes were eager to know if these formats would have any place in the traditional Olympics in future.

“I cannot give a definitive answer about which new formats we will or will not introduce. But we will analyse all possibilities. For instance, we are introducing Women’s boxing in London 2012 Olympic Games for the very first time and now the women compete in as many disciplines as the men,” replied ROGGE.

During the session it was interesting to see how the IOC President was able to recognise the athletes from the various sport events he had spectated in the last week.

When Latvian Ice hockey player Augusts Valdis VASILONAKS, who won Gold in the Men’s Ice Hockey Skills Challenge Event, rose to ask his question, ROGGE was quick to comment, “You are the one who can shoot at the speed of 145 kmph, right?”

As VASILONAKS nodded his head in reply the IOC President laughed, “I knew it. You were really good. Congratulations.”

On being asked about what he had learnt from the young athletes in Innsbruck, he promptly replied, “Optimism for the future”.

The Youth Olympic Games are ROGGE’s brainchild. The intention behind introducing these Games is to provide a platform for the young athletes to develop skills as well as to learn about life beyond sports.

As a former athlete himself Jacques ROGGE feels strongly about the Youth Olympic movement.

“When I was young and I was competing, I noticed that kids were competing in international events at the age of 14-15. But they could not participate in the Olympics. So I thought ‘what a waste of time!’ Young athletes need some platform to compete. Plus, the Youth Olympic Games are just not about medals and competition. They are about friendship and camaraderie as well.”

As the session came to an end the President of the IOC delivered his last message to the young audience.

“I have seen smiles on the faces of those who have won as well as of those who have not. When you return to your homes form Innsbruck, take back the memories and cherish them forever.”

IOC Young Reporter Sonali Prasad