Kevan Gosper In His Own Words

This was the final episode, in which he reflects on his life, and one-time consideration of running for the Presidency of the IOC after Juan Antonio Samaranch, but was aware of the rise of former Olympic sailor Jacques Rogge from Belgium and Canadian Olympic swimmer Dick Pound who had both been touted as potential future Presidents in an era of significant change for the Olympic movement. 

Kevan Gosper in his words began as a reflection on his life for his children and grandchildren, but such was the significance of his contribution to Australian, sports, corporate and Olympic life, he agreed for all episodes to be made public.

I hope you enjoyed listening as much as I enjoyed sitting with Kevan to record his life, in his own words.

Tracey.

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Gosper believes Lord Sebastian Coe, like him a former Olympic athlete, should be the next IOC President when the incumbent, Thomas Bach reaches the end of his term. Part of Coe's pedigree is his experience at every level of sport from athlete, to running the successful London 2012 Olympics, and president of international federation, World Athletics. But, there are numerous others in the wings. And is it ok, in 2024, 128 years after the inaugural modern Olympic Games, to pick another white caucasian male as president of the world Olympic body?

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Gosper's confidence takes a hit. He faces unexpected resistance when recommending John Coates as a future IOC member. Gosper unsuccessful in seeking another term on the executive board. He regains his momentum with his work on the coordination commission overseeing the Beijing 2008 Games. But there are challenges there too - human rights and press freedom hurdles.

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North Korea threatens to upset the Seoul 1988 Olympics; Ben Johnson becomes the Olympics' biggest doping scandal; a corruption crisis engulfs the IOC; John Coates goes public with his offer of funding to two African NOCs in exchange for Sydney 2000 votes; and Gosper faces allegations himself.

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Gosper describes the period as the most remarkable in his life. As senior vice president of the IOC he attends the inauguration of Nelson  Mandela as South Africa president. Sydney 2000 wins the right to host the games, expunging long term disappointment he had held since bungling his individual 400 metre race in Melbourne 1956. Gosper's loyalty is questioned, and political tensions between Australia's IOC members emerge. 

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The 1980's mark 'some of the IOC's worst days,' according to Gosper. Australia's PM, Malcolm Fraser, sides with the US call to boycott Moscow 1980, the Australian Olympic Committee - and the public - are divided. Gosper sides with the PM, by the slimmest of margins Australia sends a team. Personally, Gosper deals with the tragic, sudden loss of his first wife, Gillian; weeks later, fellow Australian IOC member David McKenzie is murdered in Hawaii.  

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In his corporate life Gosper has to convince the marketplace that self-serve Shell petrol stations are the way to go. Significant change in the Olympic movement sees Gosper become an IOC member and president of Victorian Olympic Foundation, and is involved in putting together the first commercial deals  where he puts together the first commercial arrangements. LA 1984 organisers change the Olympic movement for ever with full-blown commercialism.

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Gosper's corporate life with Shell sees him relocate to the Pacific where lifelong friendships are made and a commitment to developing sport in Pacific nations. Terrorism strikes at the Munich 1972 Olympics, a bungled rescue attempt of Israeli hostages ends in tragedy. 'The Games must go on' was a symbolic gesture of defiance by the IOC.

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A theme emerges - Gosper's intense sense of duty and responsibility to his family, his corporation and his nation - all as the world goes through a significant period of civil rights changes. African states claim independence from their colonial masters, while in Australia, First Nations people are still not counted as citizens. 

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The start of a family, promotion in the Royal Australian Air Force, the start of a corporate life - a busy period for Gosper between his two Olympic games as an athlete, Melbourne 1956 and Rome 1960.

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