relations between Lausanne

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1 Relations between Lausanne and the International Olympic Committee, After many years of vagueness and imprecision, light was shed on the history of relations between Lausanne and the Olympic Movement in 1993, when the IOC published a valuable study by Christian Gilliéron entitled Les relations de Lausanne et du Movement olympique à l époque de Pierre de Coubertin, ( Relations between Lausanne and the Olympic Movement in Pierre de Coubertin s day, ). For me, the past two years have been an opportunity to continue - once again with the IOC s backing - the research Gilliéron started, The results of my work will appear shortly in the publication Lausanne and the Olympic Movement, The aim of this article is to give an overview of that work. It took fifty years for the Olympic plans which Pierre de Coubertin had laid for Lausanne to take concrete and - one might be tempted to say - final form. Today. taking a panoramic look back at those years, which were criss-crossed by currents of suspicion, indifference. enthusiasm and active cooperation, one truly feels that things have come full circle. and that there is in the current relations between Lausanne and the IOC a kind of culmination, a return to basics and. above all, the realization of Baron de Coubertin s long-frustrated goals. by Pierre Morath* The Mon-Repos villa. It was no coincidence that, in 1980, Juan Antonio Samaranch became the first President since the restorer of the Games to choose to live in Lausanne. Nor was it by chance that, like his predecessor. he became so enchanted with the region that he wished to associate it permanently with the institution he headed and still heads. The means available to the two men were quite different, as were the ways in which the people of Lausanne viewed the sporting and Olympic phenomenon. In short, the historical context has changed greatly. but both men shared the same desire. and the same vital emotional dimension. A good way to report, in just a few pages, 60 years of the IOC s sometimes complex and multidimensional history in Lausanne, and to assess what progress has been made, would be to look back at Pierre de Coubertin s plan for Lausanne and follow its development, in the broadest sense, from the Baron s death in 1937 to the present day. The difficulties which Coubertin faced in imposing the IOC on Lausanne, and getting the local authorities and people to regard the presence of this institution on Vaudois soil as something serious or even prestigious, went on for many years. Indeed, while the Games were quick to enjoy considerable success with the public, for a long time that same public remained unaware of the role played by the body in charge of the Games. From the outset, the IOC was, because of its function, like an international organization: but its modest structures and resources meant that until the 1970s it was treated with little respect, and 25

2 even indifference. On a local level, this situation led the city council to delay for many years granting the few special terms that Coubertin was the first to seek. After the turmoil of the Second World War, the late 1940s and the 1950s were very peaceful. Apart from the central function of a President who did not live in Lausanne, the Olympic administration was then run free of charge, or almost, by a Lausanne jeweller, Otto Mayer, who held the title of chancellor, and a devoted secretary, Lydie Zanchi. Relations with the city of Lausanne were, frankly, non-existent (or of a private nature, since Mayer was a local figure whose friendship was greatly valued by the local councillors), each body quietly going about its own business without worrying about the other. For a short while ( ), things changed somewhat when Lausanne bid to host the Games of the XVII Olympiad in The authorities, represented by the highly active councillor Pierre The Lausanne 20K race. Graber, naturally got closer to the IOC and its President, Sigfrid Edström. This was the time when Edström expressed his affection for Lausanne 1, and recalled in a tribute to the IOC s founding father, Coubertin s wish to see the Games held in Lausanne one day. The Swede s exhortations were not enough. however. and in 1955, at the 51st IOC Session in Paris, the Vaudois candidature finally lost to the impeccable quality of the Rome bid. That brought to a definitive end the chapter of Lausanne s Summer Olympic ambitions. Edström s successor, the American Avery Brundage, carried on in the same way as his predecessor, at least insofar as relations with the city of Lausanne were concerned. In permanent contact with Otto Mayer s Lausanne office, Brundage ran the IOC from his headquarters at the La Salle Hotel in Chicago in the United States. For him, whether the IOC was based in Switzerland or anywhere else was not of the slightest importance. Things changed toward the middle of the 1960s, when the growing success of the Olympic Games made it increasingly urgent to restructure an administration which Otto Mayer and a few secretaries could no longer run as ama- 26

3 teurs. Through force of circumstance. and for the first time since Coubertin s death, the people of Lausanne were approached in several ways. When Otto Mayer retired in February 1964, Brundage realized the extent to which the administrative office in Lausanne. far beyond the anonymity that it had cultivated for years, was jealously protected by a small local group. This situation, which the President as the head of the IOC wished to circumvent by appointing his administrative chief himself, created major tensions which the Vaudois press made sure were blown out of all proportion. Relations with the city (in the general sense rather than with the council authorities in particular) deteriorated so dramatically that the IOC members decided to follow their President s suggestion and move the 1966 Session, originally planned for Lausanne, to Rome. Apparent calm was restored in 1967, but relations between the IOC and Lausanne retained the scars of those dark years until the early 1980s. Between 1967 and 1981, a period of mistrust followed that of indifference. Thanks to the Olympic Games, the IOC was gaining influence on the international stage and its structure was slowly becoming more professional. If Lausanne wished to keep the IOC headquarters, it would now have to prove it by offering to help modernize an IOC whose income was still modest. Until 1981, the same story was repeated many times. The IOC tried desperately to secure larger premises 2 and work permits for its non-swiss employees, and to revive one of Baron de Coubertin s long-cherished dreams: to build an Olympic Museum worthy of the name in Lausanne. But the city council, then represented by Georges-André Chevallaz, did not want to get too involved financially, and dialogue was once again broken off. On several occasions, there was even talk within the IOC Executive Board or Session of moving the IOC headquarters to another country. Things evolved (slowly) during the latter years of the 1970s, thanks to the presence at the head of the city council of Jean-Pascal Delamuraz, and the exponentially increasing resources which the IOC was earning from television rights to the Olympic Games. Delamuraz devoted considerable energy to ensuring that the IOC would obtain the status of an international organization, Mock-up of the IOC headquarters extension in Vidy.

4 The Montbenon Casino in the 1910s. Otto Mayer, IOC chancellor, and Lydie Zanchi, secretary. which would facilitate its staff manage- ing for the first time about having its ment. What is more, the IOC s new- own premises and financing the develfound wealth made it more indepen- opment of its infrastructure by itself, a dent from the Lausanne city council. As step which had the great advantage of a result, by 1978, the IOC began think- generally easing relations. The arrival in 1980 of Juan Antonio Samaranch at the head of the IOC as the first full-time President confirmed these developments and gave them the tremendous boost that they had needed. Samaranch immediately made clear his wish to work closely with the city, and demonstrated this in both concrete and symbolic terms by setting up home himself in Lausanne. After obtaining a special status from the Swiss Federal Council in September 1981, taking into account the IOC s specific nature as an international institution, there was nothing to stop it from achieving its dream of merging with Lausanne. It could henceforth count on the full cooperation of the local authorities led by Mayor Paul-René Martin, and the dedication of an Olympic administration, headed from 1985 to 1989 by a local figure: Raymond Gafner, an IOC member since Samaranch took charge of the main projects which had been stalled for so long by personality conflicts and money problems: expanding the IOC headquarters and creating the Olympic Museum. Even though it had to face the political slowness which characterizes the local temperament, the result was edifying. Since 1993, the Olympic Museum in Ouchy has been the previously missing tangible link between the Olympic Movement and the people of Lausanne: and in 1998, all the IOC s administrative activities can be grouped together thanks to the building of a new administrative block. Parallel to this. since 1981 the IOC has been promoting a great variety- of Olympic-related cultural and sporting activity with many events, both occasional (SISMO: International Symposium on Sport, the Media and Olympism from 23 to 26 November 1984, Olymphilex 85) and regular (Olympic Week, celebrated yearly since 1982, the Lausanne 20K race). Hence, with the ten Olympic International Federations that are headquartered in the Vaudois capital today, the title Olympic Capital, which the 28

5 IOC conferred upon Lausanne in 1993 (after that of Olympic City in 1982), reflects a concrete reality. With the presidency of Juan Antonio Samaranch, relations between Lausanne and the IOC are once again based on trust and cooperation. This mutual trust was illustrated in 1994, when Yvette Jaggi s city council awarded the IOC the 11th Lausanne Prize, a distinction given exceptionally to an institution rather than an individual. The IOC s history on Vaudois soil has had its share of complications and strayings, but it has finally reached a comfortable cruising speed in a calm environment. Today, prospects for the future can draw optimism from the current equilibrium. And from atop his cloud, Pierre de Coubertin is doubtless moved to see that his dream for Lausanne has finally been fulfilled. *Sport historian 1 In 1952, on the occasion of his farewell speech at the Session in Helsinki (minutes of the 48th IOC Session). 2 In March 1968, the IOC moved from the Mon-Repos villa to the Château de Vidy, but the latter quickly proved too small for a rapidly expanding administration. Minutes from the official meeting at City Hall acknowledging the establishment of the IOC headquarters in Lausanne.

6 The ceremony in Lausanne The definitive establishment of the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne took place on the morning of Saturday, 10 April. The ceremony was very simple. In the meeting room, attractively decorated with flowers, the city council led by the mayor Professor Maillefer, received Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the IOC President, and Baron Godefroy de Blonay, member of the Executive Bureau, who were with the members of the commission for the 1913 Congress. Pierre de Couhertin said the following: Mr Mayor, Members of the city council, For a long time now we have been preparing for the very act which is taking place at this moment. As early as 1907, it was planned that this country would become the centre of our international activity. The subsequent Congress which, thanks to your good offices. brought together sport enthusiasts in Lausanne, and in which the public authorities played such an active part, could only strengthen a resolve which everything joined forces to justify. This beautiful city, where Greece and France have so many friends, is, moreover, no stranger to any of the various forms of contemporary civilization. Its hospitality is proverbial, its renown universal. The work of balance and beauty which the International Olympic Committee has undertaken and directed for 20 years will be able to continue here fruitfully. In the independent and proud atmosphere which we breathe here, Olympism will find that guarantee of liberty which it needs in order to move forward. Our already sizeable archives need faithful guardians. I have the honour of presenting to you the members of the commission which will henceforward help us to take care of them. Memories of the recent Congress unite us to them, and the devotion they show towards our work is no surprise to us. Gentlemen, I would ask you to accept our deep gratitude for the welcome which the noble and illustrious city of Lausanne has given to the International Olympic Committee, on behalf of which I declare our decision, as of today, to take up residence within your walls and establish our headquarters here. 30

7 Chronology of the relations between the city of Lausanne and the IOC Autumn 1908: tion of the sports reform charter, also Coubertin comes to Lausanne for a known as the Lausanne Charter. short stay in preparation for the 1913 Olympic Congress. First meeting with 8 to 11 April 1929: Francis-Marius Messerli, Jean Morax and 28th IOC Session. Max Auckenthaler, whose son Fred becomes the first chancellor of the IOC 1934: in Celebration of the IOC s 40th anniversary. 7 October 1912: Founding of the Swiss Olympic Commit- 25 July 1936: tee, with headquarters in Lausanne. Baron de Coubertin broadcasts his final message to the world from the Radio 4 to 11 May 1913: Lausanne studios. 16th IOC Session and 5th Olympic Congress (on the theme Sports psychol- 20 January 1937: ogy and physiology ). Francis-Marius Messerli organizes a ceremony in the main hall of the University 10 April 1915: of Lausanne in honour of Pierre de Cou- Signing of the official documents estab- bertin, to celebrate the 50th anniversary lishing the IOC and its archives in Lau- of his educational activities. sanne, The city authorities offer the IOC the use of the first floor of the Mont- 22 January 1937: benon Casino. Signing of an agreement between the IOC Executive Committee 1 and the 6 July 1917: Municipality of Lausanne, under which Founding of the Lausanne Association of the 3rd floor of the Mon-Repos villa Friends of Olympism. until then officially shared by Coubertin and the IOC is to be used in its entire to 1919: ty by the IOC, which can divide its Coubertin heads the Olympic Institute in offices, library and museum as it sees fit. Lausanne. The Executive Committee is made curator of the museum. Plans are also laid to 5 to 8 April 1919: draw up an inventory of the items 18th IOC Session in Lausanne, and cele- belonging to the city of Lausanne, to the bration of the IOC s 25th anniversary. IOC, and to Coubertin. 2 to 7 June 1921: 22 June 1937: 20th IOC Session and 7th Olympic The city of Lausanne makes Pierre de Congress (on the theme Olympic regu- Coubertin an honorary citizen. lations ). 2 September 1937: 1922: Death of Pierre de Coubertin in Gene- IOC headquarters and museum collec- va s Parc de la Grange. tions are transferred to the Mon-Repos villa. In 1925, André Berdez is appointed 7 September 1937: by the IOC. He remains its only perma- Pierre de Coubertin s funeral is held in nent employee until his death in the Notre Dame du Valentin church. As from 1929 he is supported by Lydie After the ceremony, his body is buried in Zanchi, who replaces him from 1940 to the Bois-de-Vaux cemetery. In accor and remains in the IOC s employ dance with Coubertin s wishes, his heart until is placed inside a stele erected at Olympia in Greece. 14 to 17 September 1926: International Conference of the Univer- 17 June to 3 July 1944: sal Pedagogic Union in Ouchy. Publica- Official commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the revival of the Olympic Games. Lausanne is awarded the Olympic Cup in recognition of the perfect organization of the jubilee celebrations. 3 to 6 September 1946: First post-war IOC Session (40th Session). 22 and 23 May 1954: Celebration of the 60th anniversary of the revival of the Olympic Games and inauguration of Lausanne s Olympic stadium. 10 April 1965: Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the IOC s presence in Lausanne. 1 March 1968: IOC headquarters is transferred to the Château de Vidy, which the city authorities place at the IOC s disposal free of charge and for an indefinite period. The museum is assessed and modernized. From 1969: Action is taken to revive the museum on the initiative of the Lausanne authorities. February 1970: The museum at the Mon-Repos villa closes its doors for renovation. 16 June to 15 July 1971: Olympic exhibition at the Palais de Beaulieu. Presentation of plans to open an Olympic Museum at the Mon-Repos villa. 20 to 23 May 1975: 76th IOC Session. 1 to 4 June 1976: First edition of the international sports broadcasting festival The Golden Rings, sponsored by the IOC, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Swiss Broadcasting Company (SSR). 1980: The IOC and the Lausanne authorities begin to look for a location for the new

8 Olympic Museum, in the neighbourhoods of Dorigny, Montbenon, Sauvdbelin or Ouchy. 1981: Olympic Order awarded to Jean-Pascal Delamuraz, former mayor of Lausanne. 17 September 1981: Further to the decree published on 8 July 1981 proclaiming the importance of the IOC and its mission. the Federal Council confirms that the IOC has been granted a special status which takes into account its universal activities and its specific nature as an international institution. 9 November 1981: Olympic Cup awarded to the Swiss Confederation. 30 November 1981: Adoption of an agreement between the city of Lausanne and the IOC concerning the lease of the property at 18 Avenue Ruchonnet, for the purpose of setting up a temporary Olympic Museum. 22 to 25 February 1982: First Olympic Week organized by the IOC in Lausanne, with the patronage of the city. 25 February 1982: The IOC President presents the Olympic flag to the Lausanne city authorities at a ceremony in the city hall. 25, 26 and 28 May 1982: At the 85th IOC Session in Rome it is decided to combine the headquarters and the Olympic Museum at a single site. 28 May 1982: The Lausanne authorities decide to help the IOC purchase property on which to build a museum on the lakefront at Ouchy. 23 June 1982: Inauguration of the temporary Olympic Museum. 27 August 1982: At the Mon-Repos villa the Lausanne authorities and the IOC sign a provisional contract for the purchase of the property known as Petit Ouchy. 1982: Olympic Order presented to Paul-René Martin, mayor of Lausanne. 11 October 1982: Inauguration of the Olympic Study Centre in the Museum premises on Avenue Ruchonnet. 1983: Creation of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). 11 January 1983: The Lausanne authorities and the IOC ratify a charter defining their common objectives and expressing the intent to resolve all problems together. (The Lausanne authorities grant the IOC the use of the Château de Vidy; the IOC and the city agree to create a coordination commission chaired in turn by the IOC President and the mayor of Lausanne.) 5 and 6 February 1984: The 87th IOC Session in Sarajevo decides to abandon the idea of combining the Olympic Museum and the headquarters in a single site. The administrative headquarters of the IOC is to remain at the Chateau de Vidy, to which an extension will be added. 21 February 1984: A postage stamp reading: Lausanne, Olympic city is issued. 8 June 1984: The Lausanne city authorities grant the IOC permission to enlarge the IOC headquarters in Vidy. 13 July 1984: The IOC and the city of Lausanne sign an agreement regarding the purchase of Petit Ouchy by Lausanne and the IOC: the IOC buys the adjacent property. The IOC is to build its permanent museum on this land, set in a large public park managed by the city. 8 October 1984: The former car park of the Chateau de Vidy is declared building land and work begins on the IOC s new administrative headquarters. 23 to 26 November 1984: First International Symposium on Sport, the Media and Olympism. 1 and 2 December 1984: 89th IOC Session. 19 December 1984: The IOC President receives the gold medal of the city of Lausanne. 18 to 24 March 1985: First Olympic philately exhibition: Olymphilex to 17 October 1986: 91st IOC Session. 12 October 1986: Inauguration of Olympic House, the IOC s new administrative headquarters in Vidy. 9 December 1988: Work begins on the new museum in Ouchy. 19 April 1990: 75th anniversary of the IOC s establishment in Lausanne. 30 June 1992: The temporary museum closes. 20 January 1993: Creation of the Friends of the Olympic Museum. 23 June 1993: Inauguration of the new Olympic Museum in Ouchy. 24 June 1993: 100th IOC Session. 5 December 1993: The IOC declares Lausanne the Olympic Capital. 28 November 1994: The IOC is awarded the 11th Lausanne Prize at a ceremony in Montbenon. (This is the first time the prize is awarded to an organization.) 2 to 6 September 1997: 106th IOC Session. l Former name of the Executive Board. 32