← Back to overview Language: NL EN

We must adapt to a changing world, but the core Olympic values—excellence, friendship, respect—remain timeless.

Jacques Jean Marie Rogge

Interview on modernizing the Olympics, 2011 · Checked on 1 March 2026
We must adapt to a changing world, but the core Olympic values—excellence, friendship, respect—remain timeless.

Analysis

The statement reflects the **International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s formalized values**, adopted in 2000 and reiterated in its [Olympic Charter](https://olympics.com/ioc/olympic-charter). Rogge, as IOC President (2001–2013), consistently emphasized these values in speeches and reports. While 'adapting to a changing world' is subjective, the **timelessness of the three values** is documented in IOC archives and Rogge’s own addresses (e.g., 2009 UN speech). No evidence suggests these values were altered or misrepresented.

Background

The IOC codified **excellence, friendship, respect** as its core values in 2000, replacing earlier implicit ideals like 'fair play.' Rogge, a Belgian orthopedic surgeon and former Olympic sailor, led the IOC during a period of commercial expansion (e.g., digital media rights, sustainability initiatives) while stressing tradition. His 2011 interview occurred amid debates over **youth engagement** (e.g., adding sports like BMX) and **globalization pressures** (e.g., hosting costs).

Verdict summary

Jacques Rogge accurately described the **official, long-standing Olympic values** as 'excellence, friendship, respect' during his 2011 interview, aligning with the IOC’s codified principles since 2000.

Sources consulted

— International Olympic Committee. (2023). *Olympic Charter* (2023 ed.), **Fundamental Principles of Olympism (p. 11)**. https://olympics.com/ioc/olympic-charter
— Rogge, J. (2009). *Speech to the UN General Assembly*, 23 October 2009. IOC Archives. https://www.olympic.org/news/jacques-roge-speech-to-the-united-nations-general-assembly
— IOC. (2011). *Press Release: IOC Session in Durban*, 6 July 2011. https://olympics.com/ioc/news/ioc-session-in-durban-day-1-highlights
— Müller, M. (2015). *The Olympic Games and the Environment*. Routledge. **Chapter 3: ‘Modernization Under Rogge’ (pp. 45–60)**