The new president of the International Olympic Committee talks about multimillion-dollar TV rights packages, the distinction between spectacle and sport, and when they're going to get around to kicking out the rhythmic gymnasts.

strongsmell.com: Can I ask you something?

Jacques Rogge: O sure. That's what we're here for.

smell: When you're on the IOC, you're a volunteer, right?

JR: Yes. That is the tradition of the modern Olympic movement.

smell: Heh heh heh. You wanna talk Olympic movements? Get a load of Dick's! His weighed a whole pound!

JR: ...

smell: So they don't pay you at all?

JR: Not at all.

Smell: Oh.

JR: Not a penny. Not a shilling. Not a French franc. Not a dime. Not a Swiss franc. Not a cent. Not a Belgian franc.

smell: Right.

JR: Not one red pfennig.

smell: So we're talking a total life of privation then, eh?

JR: Indeed.

smell: So how do you eat?

JR: Mostly by putting food in my mouth and then chewing it and then swallowing. Although if it's something like tomato aspic you can leave out the chewing and just move right ahead to the swallowing.

smell: Did you say aspic? Lordy, I haven't had that in a dog's age.

JR: Most of the time I like to use a fork and knife, too.

smell: Even for aspic?

JR: Well, no, obviously not.

smell: ...

JR: Although that would be most droll at a dinner party, wouldn't it?

smell: ...

JR: Ho ho ho! One must remember that when next one has guests to dine. Oh, what a jolly time we shall have!

smell: ...

JR: Perhaps we shall dine also with chopsticks! Yes, aspic with chopsticks! Delightful!

smell: ...

JR: ...

smell: You're Belgian, right?