Has Jacques Rogge forgotten that French is the official language of the Olympic movement? The question deserves to be asked after reading an interview published by the daily Le Parisien in its edition of Thursday April 18. When asked by the journalist, Bertrand-Régis Louvet, about the advice he would give to France to improve its Olympic visibility, the Belgian leader gave this answer: “Learn to speak English! Your sports representatives have undeniable qualities, but the usual language of international exchanges is English. Bernard Lapasset speaks it very well, as well as Spanish. »
Without trying to read between the lines of advice that is otherwise common sense, Jacques Rogge's remark inspires two thoughts. Firstly, running an Olympic bid without being able to address voters in perfect English is setting yourself up for failure. We knew it. But hearing it from the president of an IOC created by Baron Pierre de Coubertin and based in Lausanne can make you think. Secondly, Bernard Lapasset, new road captain of international relations for French sport, seems to be considered the man for the job within the Olympic institution. A good point. Especially on the eve of Bernard Lapasset's announcement of his candidacy for the head of SportAccord.
Jacques Rogge's remarks did not leave the French-speaking world indifferent. Asked by FrancsJeux, the secretary general of La Francophonie (OIF), the Senegalese Abdou Diouf, suggests: “Be polyglots. This is fundamentally the conviction that I have always defended at the head of the International Organization of La Francophonie. Yes, French speakers must know how to speak English and quality English, yes they must be able to express themselves in Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese... Linguistic diversity is at the heart of our action, at the heart of the Olympic Games which are hosting the whole world, at the heart of a modern, open and plural society. In doing so, French speakers actively contribute to the promotion of French. I tell them: practice, use and demand French, but simultaneously be able to communicate in English and other languages to interact with the world without hindrance, without fear.”
For the rest, the interview given by Jacques Rogge to Le Parisien does not lack interest. Here are some excerpts:
“I’m hoping for a South African bid for 2024. I hope so. »
“The question that arises is Paris in 2024 (regarding a possible French candidacy for the Summer Games). The IOC would be happy to hear it because we know that France would organize the Games very well. »
“To organize the Winter Games, France has very good assets with knowledge, sites, great champions. Everything is already in place. You just need to find the right combination to launch an application. »
“You have a CNOSF with a good president. Bernard Lapasset is a great personality. Sport works well in France. »
“If we had removed the modern pentathlon (from the 2020 Games program), we would have been accused of betraying the legacy of Pierre de Coubertin. »
From this interview carried out at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, we will also remember Jacques Rogge's wish to devote his "afterlife", when he has handed over the keys to the house next September, to doing more sport, s take care of his grandchildren and indulge his passion for contemporary art.
