Athletes' Commission

[Anchor Lead]

Former Olympic table tennis champion Ryu Seung-min has won membership at the International Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission as only the second Korean to win the honor. Let’s check it out.

[Soundbite] (Nicole Hoevertsz IOC member)

[Pkg]

When Ryu Seung-min's name was announced, Korean officials at the news conference site cheer in jubilation. But Ryu himself appeared late after lingering at the athletes village. He did not expect to win a seat on the IOC's Athletes' Commission.

[Soundbite] Ryu Seung-min(Winner of IOC membership) : "I was nervous. I might not have won the bid so I was waiting humbly in my room."

Many did not hold high hopes for Ryu going into voting but Ryu received the second highest votes just after German fencer Britta Heidemann. His election strategy must have worked as Ryu campaigned more diligently than any other candidate.

[Soundbite] Ryu Seung-min(Winner of IOC membership) : "Every single day, I waited from 7 a.m. to late evening until all the athletes returned to offer greetings. I think that sincerity brought good results."

Members of the IOC's Athletes' Commission share the same rights and responsibilites as regular IOC members while only the duration of the term is different. With their term limited to 8 years, Athletes' Commission members can vote on the IOC's key agenda items such as deciding on the Olympic host city. Korea's IOC member Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee is not able to properly serve at the moment due to poor health. While Moon Dae-sung is one of the outgoing Athletes' Commission members, the newly elected Ryu is practically the only Korean at the IOC. What his next moves will be in the global sports arena will draw keen attention.