PARIS, August 4, 2024 - A stellar lineup of former World and Olympic champions is set to attend the AIPS Centennial celebration at the UNESCO headquarters on August 6 at 9:30 AM. AIPS President Gianni Merlo, in an exclusive interview, highlighted the shared values, partnership, and history between AIPS and the Laureus World Sports Academy. Both organizations are dedicated to uniting people through sport, recognizing excellence, breaking barriers, and improving the lives of young people worldwide.

Among the esteemed guests are World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, newly elected Vice-President of the International Olympic Committee Nawal El Moutawakel, Edwin Moses, Daley Thompson, Kipchoge Keino, and Tegla Loroupe. The event will also feature gymnastics legends Nadia Comăneci and Nicol David, alongside other iconic figures like Sean Fitzpatrick, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Sir Chris Hoy, Cecilia Tait, Ana Fidelia Quirot, Donna de Varona, Wu Jingyu, and former Italian canoeist Antonio Rossi. These legends will honour veteran journalists who have covered ten or more Olympic Games on the UNESCO stage, making the AIPS Centennial celebration even more significant.

On the sidelines of the 15th AIPS Journalists on the Podium ceremony, first introduced at the London 2012 Olympic Games, President Gianni Merlo shared his thoughts ahead of this historic moment for the Association:

As AIPS and Laureus prepare to celebrate sports journalism together during the Olympics for a third time, following the inaugural 'Journalists on the Podium' ceremonies at London 2012 and Rio 2016, how important is this partnership between AIPS and Laureus?

"Personally, I have witnessed the birth of Laureus in 2000 while serving as President of the AIPS Athletics Commission, and I was immediately impressed by the project. I have closely followed Laureus's journey because, in many ways, it aligns with our association's goals. Since 2003, we have collaborated on several events in athletics championships, which led to the first celebration of journalists on the podium in London 2012, a significant success."

What are your expectations for the upcoming event at the iconic UNESCO House on August 6?

"UNESCO is the ideal venue for our Centennial celebration. This organization embodies the same principles that Laureus upholds—investing in young generations and promoting sports for all. These principles are essential in preparing young people for their future roles in society."

As Laureus marks 25 years of its establishment this year, what values does it share with AIPS on the occasion of our centennial?

"As I told before, since the beginning, we have both had the same goals, because we work to enhance the value of sport, but we look especially for a better future for the next generations, we are working to help send the right message around the world, and I think that together we have always done great achievements."

How did the idea of bringing Olympic champions to the UNESCO stage was born?
"The idea we have in mind is always the same, we want to put sports journalism in the first place. Usually, it is journalists who write stories about champions. For this reason, I wanted those champions to do the same for sports journalists as we want to enhance sport and defend the rights of both athletes and journalists."

15 legendary champions from Laureus will join the AIPS Centennial celebration: As both AIPS President and journalist, how proud do you feel to unite these Olympic legends together under the iconic roof of UNESCO House for such a historic event?
"It is not our first time organizing something like this. What I am most proud of is that those champions always accept our invitation, they want to be with us. It can be interesting also for them to participate in our initiatives."
 

This will be the 15th time where AIPS celebrates veteran journalists during the last 12 years, how important do you think this recognition is?

"We want to continue this tradition because each time it represents a great success and new journalists keep coming. Experts in this profession also set an example for new generations of sports journalists. What I am truly glad that many journalists are joining this ceremony, something we can be proud of."

Ahead of the London 2012 Games, how were you inspired to create this unprecedented format to recognize veterans of the profession?
"After many years of inviting champions, at that time I thought it was time to change positions. I must say that athletes love it so much, they love being on the other side, awarding journalists. The first edition in London was quite successful, something I could not imagine before: It was 8:30 in the morning, and despite the difficulties of arriving there on time, over 100 journalists joined our celebrations. On the occasion, Laureus worked step-to-step on the project and they witnessed the success of this initiative in years to come."

Do you think organizers of top sporting events should follow AIPS's footsteps by recognizing the most important elements of the sport after athletes, the ones who tell the stories?
"I hope so, I think it can be interesting, journalists are here to promote sports, and to defend principles and values. Our job is important in the fight against manipulation of results, match-fixing, and doping. We are working together with international federations, and we will continue to do so."