Kevan Gosper is a giant of Australian sport. From Olympic silver medalist to senior vice president of the International Olympic Committee, Gosper's journey coincided with some of the biggest geopolitical shifts in world history. Among his friends he counted statesmen such as former South African president Nelson Mandela, and US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. A leading role in the oversight committee for the Beijing 2008 Olympics brought unique challenges, but unafraid of controversy, and with a commitment to his personal values, Gosper brought the same strength of character to his Olympic positions as he did in his corporate life where he served as both chairman and CEO of Shell Australia. In this series of podcasts, Gosper shares his life journey - going all the way back to the arrival of the Gospers on a convict boat from England, through to his forecast for Brisbane 2032 and beyond, recorded just two weeks before his passing aged 90. Originally designed as a personal recording for his children and grand-children, Gosper agreed to publish them publicly as an historical record of his life in sport.
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 ...
19 Jul 2024
Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | Civil Rights & Independence
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. Support the show
19 Jul 2024
Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | The IOC Beckons
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.Support the show
19 Jul 2024
Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | From Oceania to Munich, The Games Must Go On
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.Support the show
19 Jul 2024
Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | The Boycott Era & Turbulent Times
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. Support the show
19 Jul 2024
Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | Nelson Mandela & Sydney 2000
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. Support the show
19 Jul 2024
Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | Beijing - Press Freedom & Human Rights
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.Support the show
19 Jul 2024
Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | London & the Championing of Seb Coe
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 cau...
19 Jul 2024
Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | Scandals and Investigations
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.Support the show
19 Jul 2024
Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | An Extraordinary Experience
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.Support the show
19 Jul 2024
Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | 15,000 miles from everything
In this episode, Kevan talks about his life at a young scholarship student at Michigan State University, raising questions as to whether he had made the right decision. He speaks of the people he encountered and the experiences he shared with them in the USA during the early 1950s, which had lifelong consequences, including his first experience of being chosen to wear an Australian blazer. Alternative Headers: The Biggest Risk Reward Decision"If You Work Hard Enough, You Can G...
19 Jul 2024
Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | A Bittersweet Olympics
In this episode, perseverance emerges as one of Kevan’s strengths, and we see the beginning of an interest in politics. Becoming the #1 400m runner in the World, and the bittersweet experience of becoming an Olympian, in Melbourne in 1956.Support the show
19 Jul 2024
Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | Last Chapter, First
Kevan Gosper spent much of his life in Olympic circles, rising to the position of IOC Senior Vice President. His time in the movement coincided with some of the world’s biggest geopolitical shifts: the Cold War boycott era, the end of apartheid in South Africa, the rise of China, the shift from amateurism to professionalism, and the growth of what was to become the most recognised symbol on the planet, the Olympic Rings. Amongst his friends, he counted political luminaries, such as...
19 Jul 2024
Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | Sports Opportunities
In this episode, Kevan talks about his discovery of his athletic ability and the impact of sport on his life. Plus, the recognition of those who most influenced his early decisions and some tough choices when the love of home and family is positioned against the opportunity for further education and athletic training.Support the show
19 Jul 2024
Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | The Gosper Beginnings
In this episode, Kevan discusses the story of the Gospers and how they arrived in Australia, being a young Caucasian child growing up in the suburbs at the time of a World War, and how yesterday’s experiences offer insights to today’s challenges.Support the show
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