We joke about people peddling steaks and watches as influence, but megasporting events do have some very public issues with corruption. Could the International Olympic Committee create reform when it comes to anti-corruption and human rights? Law professor Andy Spalding, head of the independent group Olympics Compliance Task Force joins us to talk about the work his group is doing to develop a new approach to these issues for the Olympics and the World Cup. You might be shocked to hear what Qatar did in these areas - time will tell on whether its efforts will be a part of its legacy.

You can find out more about Andy and his work at his University of Richmond faculty page and the Olympics Compliance Task Force site.

Speaking of corruption, Alison's got the story of what's likely the most corrupt boxing match in Olympic history. That's in our Seoul 1988 moment.

In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from:

• Curler John Shuster
• Race walker Evan Dunfee
• Listener Brianna

Lots of news from Paris 2024! Boycott talk continues....but the IOC reminds countries that boycotts are a violation of the Olympic Charter. Reminder from us: Russia's invasion was a violation of the Olympic Truce.

But better news from Paris - the announcement of pictograms and the first stop on the torch relay!

Not to be outdone, Milan-Cortina 2026 has announced the finalists in its mascot competition. Vote here.

And! Could we see a 2030 Winter Games in Stockholm? TPTB are looking into it.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://wp.me/pbRtIx-28a

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo credit: University of Richmond

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348