Political figures will turn heads at IOC Session, argues James Toney

THERE is nothing members of the International Olympic Committee like more than being in the presence of raw and undiluted power.

VIPS: It remains to be seen whether all four power brokers will turn up in Copenhagen

Being courted by world leaders can leave them feeling a little intoxicated, perhaps imagining that Mr President might one day invite them into the Situation Room or down to Camp David for a long weekend.

Tony Blair's late lobbying from his suite in the Raffles Hotel played a critical role in swinging momentum behind London 2012's bid in Singapore four years ago.

In contrast Jacques Chirac turned up, gave a speech pitted with predictable soundbites and left in a blur, giving IOC members the feeling they were just another stop on his crowded itinerary.

Two years ago, at the IOC session in Guatemala, both Salzburg and Pyeongchang thought they were contesting a two-horse race for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The Russian resort of Sochi was, insiders claimed, just making up the numbers.

However, the presence of Vladimir Putin - addressing IOC members in perfect English - something few had even seen before, proved decisive.

So Barack Obama's absence from next week's IOC session in Copenhagen is a major blow to their bid team, no matter how they spin it.

The White House is drafting in First Lady Michelle from the bench and although more than capable, she is not a comparable replacement.

The world's most powerful man was Chicago's trump card and played correctly, he could have sealed the deal for a bid that is already odds-on for success.

Just hours after his historic election, officials from Tokyo were already studying ways to negate the ‘Obama effect'.

"I wonder how IOC members will react when Mr. Obama appears in a presentation for Chicago?" said Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda.

Big-name sports stars do not impress IOC members, which is why many questioned David Beckham's involvement with the 2012 delegation in Singapore.

And an eyebrow must be arched at Tokyo's tactics of packing their team with former Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

But the chance to make small talk with world leaders - and maybe pose for a snap for the mantelpiece - can certainly turn heads and sway votes.

Rio de Janeiro's bid - which is picking up pivotal late momentum - is bringing charismatic Brazilian president Luis Inácio Lula da Silva.

He has already written personally to every IOC member - a tactic that both Obama and new Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama have copied this week.

It is not known whether Hatoyama will travel to Copenhagen.

Some believe he does not want the early days of his leadership tainted by association with an unsuccessful bid, although Japanese Emperor Akihito - who couldn't care less for opinion polls - could travel.

Madrid has also raided the corridors of power to boost their travelling squad.

King Juan Carlos is popular not just in Spain but also throughout South America, which would count for something, had the continent not had a live candidate to stage the Games for the first time.

He is being accompanied by Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, who has again invested his political capital in a candidature that is starting with a geographic handicap - given Europe hasn't staged back-to-back Games since 1948.

So next week's all-star cast remains strong - although rumours persist Air Force One might file a dramatic late flight-plan and Obama could steal the show.

It's three decades since American speed skater Eric Heiden first said that sport and politics don't mix.

How wrong he was.

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