AOC President John Coates has paid tribute to IOC Member in Israel Alex Gilady who passed away in London yesterday.
Mr Coates described Mr Gilady as a close and loyal friend for many years and a figure who had a profound impact on the Olympic movement globally.
“He was a great friend of Australia and played a significant role in the global broadcast of the Sydney 2000 Games with NBC. He served as a Member of the IOC in Israel from 1994.
“IOC President Thomas Bach appointed us both Chair and Deputy Chair of the Tokyo 2020 Coordination Commission.
“Alex was by my side every step of the way over our eight years preparation for the postponed Games. His advice was invaluable.
“As a former Vice President of NBC Sports, his knowledge of Olympic broadcasting was extraordinary.
“For Tokyo 2020, he always ensured Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of Olympic Broadcast Services and the global broadcasters were always consulted on the big relevant decisions.
“Over our eight years working together Alex became more than a great friend and advisor and I will miss him immensely,” Mr Coates concluded.
