After 18 years at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Head of Media Operations and Chair of the Press Committee Anthony Edgar has announced his retirement from the IOC.
Edgar, who has attended almost every AIPS Congress since 2004 was in Marrakech in 2005 when AIPS president Gianni Merlo was elected for his first term.
“I remember sparring with Gianni about ticketing Athletics at the 2004 New York congress. The AIPS Congress has always been in my calendar and I only missed three because of clashes with test events and other Olympic commitments,” Edgar told AIPS.
“Anthony has always devoted his time to solving problems faced by the media, particularly in light of the ever-increasing demands on journalists and photographers in this digital age. At every event he has been helpful and supportive and gave AIPS the opportunity to seek the best solution for working journalists and photographers,” Merlo said.
“When AIPS took the fight to the IOC for WiFi free of charge to all media attending the Olympic Games Anthony listened carefully to our concerns and with his support WiFi was provided free of charge in all media areas for the first time at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. Rio 2016 followed, as did PyeongChang in 2018. Anthony is a great colleague and also a great friend,” the AIPS president said.
“After 18 years I am leaving the IOC taking the opportunity of an early retirement to return to Sydney to be with my ailing father and my children,” Edgar said today in an announcement on his social media.
Along with journalists and photographers alike, he has run the gauntlet of the digital age and the introduction of what he refers to as “the epoch of change”.
“Facebook, Twitter and the iPhone where each launched over the next 40 months of my starting at the IOC, ushering in a new social, digital and mobile future, triggering tumultuous change globally that would turn the media landscape upside down, impacting how sport would be consumed, broadcast and reported on in the future. To have been in a leadership position during these turbulent times and to work hand-in-hand with the international news agencies and news networks to navigate a course forward will stay as one of my fondest of memories,” Edgar posted.
“It has been an absolute honour to be so intimately involved in the delivery of the Olympic Games, the Youth Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games and the IOC Young Reporters programme, each of them unique, each of them unforgettable
“There are far too many to thank – from the OCOGs, the IFs, the NOCs, the IOC members, AIPS and IOC staff, and especially the media from where I can now count so many lifelong friends,” Edgar said.
“Anthony’s contribution to the International Olympic Committee’s standing with international news agencies and media organizations cannot be overstated. He was the ‘go to’ person for the top echelon of global media management across all regions of the sporting world for new ideas and innovative solution in showcasing the competitive magic, excitement and drama that only the Olympic Games can deliver. He was always on the lookout for new and improving ways for journalists, photographers and television news producers to report on the Olympic Games and inspire their various audiences,” said Kevan Gosper, ex-First Vice President of the IOC and Chairman of the IOC Press Commission for 25 years.
“Over the many years he worked with me in my role as Chair of the IOC Press Commission and Vice Chairman of the Beijing 2008 Coordination Commission I greatly valued his constructive advice, his willingness to explore new ideas, his energy, his integrity and especially his loyalty. He has become a highly valued friend and I wish him well in his new ventures,” said Gosper.
“Anthony had a significant impact on the Olympic movement by helping global news agencies and other media organizations open doors to new forms of coverage and extend the impact of the Olympics to millions of new followers. We also salute and thank Anthony for a spirited defense of human rights issues, including press access, gender equality as well as his forceful advocacy for the highest professional standards,” said Tom Curley, retired President and CEO of The Associated Press.
“No one has done more for enhancing and improving the image of sports photography than Anthony Edgar,” Steve Fine, ex-Director of Photography, Sports Illustrated.
“I think Anthony’s greatest legacy is the IOC Young Reporters program,” said Tracey Holmes, ABC journalist & host of The Ticket podcast. ‘It was his vision that brought it to life running in conjunction with the Youth Olympic Games since its inception in 2010. To watch so many of the Young Reporters grow and move on to highly successful careers, all the while with a deep appreciation of the Olympic movement, is a badge of honour Anthony should wear proudly.”
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“All media, either news agencies, newspapers, television and radio have benefitted from his leadership and contribution. I personally have learnt a lot from him,” said Zhou Jie, Deputy Director, Sports News Department, Xinhua News Agency.