Bach’s embrace of Russia a re-run of an old Samaranch movie

Spain's Juan Antonio Samaranch, IOC President from 1980-2001

TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 2, 2018: The International Olympic Committee’s quick re-embrace of Russia didn’t suit a lot of people, but for those who have watched the Olympic Movement over time, we’ve seen this movie before.

IOC chief Thomas Bach became a member in 1991 and had 10 years to learn from the brilliant Juan Antonio Samaranch, the organization’s 21-year president from 1980-2001. Unity was his theme and he insisted on it at all times. That’s Bach’s play now.

The details are in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: U.S. biathletes – and others – are boycotting the World Cup Final, scheduled to be held in Russia at the end of March, and aren’t shy about saying why.

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: There are those who are cheering at the resignation of USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun, but he left the organization in better shape than he found it … twice.

(3) THE MAIN EVENT: A third straight 3,000 m win for Ethiopia’s Ginzebe Dibaba at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Britain, but an upset in the men’s high jump and a medal for the U.S. in the women’s high jump.

(4) FOOTBALL: Megan Rapinoe’s goal stood up as the U.S. edged Germany, 1-0, in a windy, snow opener to the SheBelieves Cup.

(5) GYMNASTICS: USA Gymnastics chief executive Kerry Perry posted a text and video message to the gymnastics community on Thursday. It’s worth a look.