Olympic dreams go beyond just sports (2)

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If my visions are realized, I believe the IOC will play a more positive and responsible role internationally.

GT: What influence will your election make to the development of Chinese sports and how will it impact communications, especially in sports, across the Taiwan Straits?

Wu: It's a great pride and honor that I can be the first Chinese candidate for the presidency. China is the most populous country in the world. Chinese cannot be absent from the governance of the IOC, where I have confidence that we can do even better, especially in leadership, than before.

China has managed to enormously promote its sports industry, whose achievements are admittedly remarkable worldwide. If I am elected, I will continue to render full support to China in the escalation of its image in the international sporting community.

As for the communication between the two sides across the Straits, I would like to stress the significance of one principle. The people from both sides are all Chinese, and Chinese are destined to help each other. Mutual support and reciprocal communication are the best approaches to enhance the cross-Straits relations.

And I am very pleased to act as a liaison through the platform of the IOC to promote comprehensive communication between the two sides.

GT: Why did you promise that you are not going to ask for a second term if you are elected?

Wu: Eight years is enough, and 12 years is too long. I am sure that my objectives as IOC president will be accomplished in one term. And I am willing to leave more opportunities for other younger and capable members.

It's like I am setting a deadline for my work, and I am confident that I will carry forward my visions, as I promised, and realize the established goals within the permitted period.

GT: To be more precise, you are representing Chinese Taipei to run for the IOC president. Will your campaign be impacted by some political factors?

Wu: I need to emphasize that the election of the IOC president is not a political one. The IOC firmly holds a stance of being free from political interference.

Every member of the IOC is independent from the others, and the voting is held by secret ballot. Their righteousness and integrity guarantee that they will vote for the candidate whose performance and personality are convincing enough to make him or her a qualified leader.

Where I come from does not matter, and what really matters is whether I can fulfill my promises and make my contribution to the development of the global sports.

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