Pinsent set for role with IOC

14 April 2012

Matthew Pinsent has already been guaranteed an influential position in the International Olympic Committee following his expected retirement from rowing, Standard Sport can reveal today.

IOC president Jacques Rogge took the four-time gold medallist aside recently and told him he hopes to give him a job on one of the IOC's commissions responsible for shaping and regulating Olympic policy internationally.

Pinsent lost his place as an IOC member at this summer's Athens Olympics after he failed to be re-elected as an athletes representative in a poll of competitors. But Rogge clearly recognises the eloquent rower's potential as a future mover and shaker in international sport and is keen to make sure he is not lost to the IOC.

The 34-year-old's career path in sport politics has already being mapped out before today's announcement about his retirement.

Next year, Pinsent will stand for election as chairman of the British Olympic Association after IOC member Craig Reedie steps down.

The rower is known to be well respected by Reedie, who will keep his IOC position. Pinsent is almost certain to win any vote and will then represent the BOA at future Olympics.

He would then be perfectly placed to become an IOC member if a vacancy became available.

In the meantime, Pinsent will continue to play a key role in London's Olympic bid before next July's vote.

The Olympic champion, who is keen to pursue a career in the media, has impressed London 2012 chiefs with his ability to get over the bid's message on radio and TV.

Pinsent will work with his former rowing partner Sir Steve Redgrave and ex-triple jumper Jonathan Edwards as high-profile former Olympians supporting the campaign.

The problem with this career in sports politics, however, is that, despite the prestige, it is largely unpaid. Pinsent will need to secure other work in the media and in advertising to pay his bills.

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