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| |  Monday, 16 July, 2001, 16:17 GMT 17:17 UK Rogge ready to assume power Can Rogge (right) escape Samaranch's shadow? Jacques Rogge has vowed to be his own man as Olympic president - but extended an olive branch to the other defeated candidates in the race for the IOC's top job. Rogge comfortably won the presidential election held in Mscow on Monday for the most powerful job in world sport. Speaking alongside outgoing supremo Juan Antonio Samaranch, Rogge said: "I am absolutely certain there will be no interference whatsoever. "I have had the privilege of working with Mr Samaranch for ten years, and he entrusted me with several responsibilities and gave me his full support." Samaranch, who has inherited the honorary life presidency of the IOC after his 21 years in charge, insisted he would not interfere - but would give advice if asked.
"In my experience, the ex-president should keep a low profile," he said. "I will not be sitting on the Executive Board, but I would be pleased to attend if invited. Of his future plans, Rogge promised to stay in the Olympic village, an indication of his belief that the IOC, often perceived as aloof and arrogant, needs to get closer to the athletes. War against doping And he vowed to continue the war against doping. "Doping is the number one problem," he said. "We need to keep sport clean and credible. I don't believe we will win the war completely but we need to reduce the level to the strict minimum." Rogge added of Kim Un-Yong and Dick Pound, his main defeated rivals for the presidency: "I don't think it will be a problem. "We were fellow competitors, not opponents. "They are talented colleagues and you have to understand their disappointment at losing.
"I respect very much both men and am quite sure we will be able to work together in the future. My job is to unite." Rogge revealed Pound had offered to resign as the IOC's head of marketing, but added he had already asked the Canadian to reconsider. He also confirmed he had not talked to Kim since the election result. The South Korean did not attend Rogge's inauguration at Moscow's Column Hall, saying: "I didn't feel like going. I watched it on television. "But I will work with anybody. For me, losing was nothing. I still have many roles to play." Rogge also told the news conference in Moscow he would move full-time to Lausanne to take up the position. He will quit his career as an orthopaedic surgeon and take on the role in an unpaid, voluntary capacity, as was the case with Samaranch. | |
 Rogge runner?Will new chief herald new Olympic era?   New Olympic chief  Stepping downHow will Senor Samaranch be remembered?
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