BY NICK GIONGCO
Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski wasn’t exactly tickled pink when asked about her close proximity to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) throne.
Fresh from being elected into the IOC’s Executive Board, a cast of 15 individuals – a president, four vice-presidents and ten board members – Jaworski just let out a hearty laugh.
“Malayo pa,” exclaimed Jaworski, 46, admitting she still has plenty to learn to even start entertaining thoughts of grandeur.
As she embarks on a new job as a part of a major decision-making body in world sports, Jaworski swears the learning process will be long and arduous.
“I have to learn from those who have experience (a lot) because I am a newbie,” said Jaworski, whose father Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuangco was a longtime Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president.
Wife to former basketball player Dodot, Jaworski’s alliance with the IOC officially began several years ago when she got the appointment as the IOC’s official representative to the Philippines replacing Frank Elizalde.
Now that Jaworski has added another feather in her cap, she vows to make a difference in the Olympic Movement by sharing its vision.
Not only that.
Jaworski, who won gold in equestrian in the 2002 Busan Asian Games, says she must adhere to the practice of becoming “a team player” to ensure harmony in the IOC.
In the meantime, just before she devotes her time to being a member of the IOC’s inner circle, Jaworski feels so much pride with her exalted status.
Amid the wide array of bad news caused by the pandemic, Jaworski still manages to radiate with so much joy that even for one, brief, moment, her election turned out to be “a piece of good news in such a difficult time.”
While awaiting for the specifics of her assignment, Jaworski insists that she will keep reminding the sports community, especially the POC, which has a long history of controversy and intrigues, to simply “its obligations to the IOC” take to heart.
Still, Mikee reiterates that she fully respects the autonomy of the POC, stressing she knows how to toe the line.
