Kevan Gosper In His Own Words

Kevan Gosper with Tracey Holmes
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Kevan Gosper is a giant of Australian sport. From Olympic silver medalist to senior vice president of the International Olympic Committee, Gosper's journey coincided with some of the biggest geopolitical shifts in world history. Among his friends he counted statesmen such as former South African president Nelson Mandela, and US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. A leading role in the oversight committee for the Beijing 2008 Olympics brought unique challenges, but unafraid of controversy, and with a commitment to his personal values, Gosper brought the same strength of character to his Olympic positions as he did in his corporate life where he served as both chairman and CEO of Shell Australia. In this series of podcasts, Gosper shares his life journey - going all the way back to the arrival of the Gospers on a convict boat from England, through to his forecast for Brisbane 2032 and beyond, recorded just two weeks before his passing aged 90. Originally designed as a personal recording for his children and grand-children, Gosper agreed to publish them publicly as an historical record of his life in sport.

  1. Episode 1

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | Last Chapter, First

    Kevan Gosper spent much of his life in Olympic circles, rising to the position of IOC Senior Vice President. His time in the movement coincided with some of the world’s biggest geopolitical shifts: the Cold War boycott era, the end of apartheid in South Africa, the rise of China, the shift from amateurism to professionalism, and the growth of what was to become the most recognised symbol on the planet, the Olympic Rings.   Amongst his friends, he counted political luminaries, such as former South African President Nelson Mandela and former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. Sadly, on July 19, 2024, only days before his planned departure for Paris, he passed away on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast with his wife Judy and daughter Sophie by his side. Only weeks before, I sat down with him to record the last in a series of podcasts called ‘Kevan Gosper In His Own Words’. It was a project we started during COVID for him to document his own extraordinary story for his children and grandchildren. But I convinced him that they should be made available to the National Archives of Australia, such was the significance of his contribution to sport, the Olympics and corporate life.    As you will hear unfold, the podcast conversations took on a life of their own. Kevan provides a kaleidoscopic lens to life and its roller coaster ride. Before going back to where it all began for the Gospers, on a convict ship from England, Kevan looks briefly to the future and the Olympic Games place in it, with a warning to those now in charge of the biggest show on earth. This was the final episode, in which he reflects on his life, and one-time consideration of running for the Presidency of the IOC after Juan Antonio Samaranch, but was aware of the rise of former Olympic sailor Jacques Rogge from Belgium and Canadian Olympic swimmer Dick Pound who had both been touted as potential future Presidents in an era of significant change for the Olympic movement.  Welcome to the Final Podcast, First   Tracey Holmes Support the show

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | Last Chapter, First

  2. Episode 2

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | The Gosper Beginnings

    In this episode, Kevan discusses the story of the Gospers and how they arrived in Australia, being a young Caucasian child growing up in the suburbs at the time of a World War, and how yesterday’s experiences offer insights to today’s challenges. Support the show

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | The Gosper Beginnings

  3. Episode 3

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | Sports Opportunities

    In this episode, Kevan talks about his discovery of his athletic ability and the impact of sport on his life.  Plus, the recognition of those who most influenced his early decisions and some tough choices when the love of home and family is positioned against the opportunity for further education and athletic training. Support the show

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | Sports Opportunities

  4. Episode 4

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | 15,000 miles from everything

    In this episode, Kevan talks about his life at a young scholarship student at Michigan State University, raising questions as to whether he had made the right decision. He speaks of the people he encountered and the experiences he shared with them in the USA during the early 1950s, which had lifelong consequences, including his first experience of being chosen to wear an Australian blazer.   Alternative Headers:  The Biggest Risk Reward Decision "If You Work Hard Enough, You Can Get A Green Blazer" Support the show

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | 15,000 miles from everything

  5. Episode 5

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | A Bittersweet Olympics

    In this episode, perseverance emerges as one of Kevan’s strengths, and we see the beginning of an interest in politics. Becoming the #1 400m runner in the World, and the bittersweet experience of becoming an Olympian, in Melbourne in 1956. Support the show

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | A Bittersweet Olympics

  6. Episode 6

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | An Extraordinary Experience

    The start of a family, promotion in the Royal Australian Air Force, the start of a corporate life - a busy period for Gosper between his two Olympic games as an athlete, Melbourne 1956 and Rome 1960. Support the show

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | An Extraordinary Experience

  7. Episode 7

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | Civil Rights & Independence

    A theme emerges - Gosper's intense sense of duty and responsibility to his family, his corporation and his nation - all as the world goes through a significant period of civil rights changes. African states claim independence from their colonial masters, while in Australia, First Nations people are still not counted as citizens.  Support the show

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | Civil Rights & Independence

  8. Episode 7

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | From Oceania to Munich, The Games Must Go On

    Gosper's corporate life with Shell sees him relocate to the Pacific where lifelong friendships are made and a commitment to developing sport in Pacific nations. Terrorism strikes at the Munich 1972 Olympics, a bungled rescue attempt of Israeli hostages ends in tragedy. 'The Games must go on' was a symbolic gesture of defiance by the IOC. Support the show

    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words | From Oceania to Munich, The Games Must Go On
See All Season 1 (15)

About

Kevan Gosper is a giant of Australian sport. From Olympic silver medalist to senior vice president of the International Olympic Committee, Gosper's journey coincided with some of the biggest geopolitical shifts in world history. Among his friends he counted statesmen such as former South African president Nelson Mandela, and US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. A leading role in the oversight committee for the Beijing 2008 Olympics brought unique challenges, but unafraid of controversy, and with a commitment to his personal values, Gosper brought the same strength of character to his Olympic positions as he did in his corporate life where he served as both chairman and CEO of Shell Australia. In this series of podcasts, Gosper shares his life journey - going all the way back to the arrival of the Gospers on a convict boat from England, through to his forecast for Brisbane 2032 and beyond, recorded just two weeks before his passing aged 90. Originally designed as a personal recording for his children and grand-children, Gosper agreed to publish them publicly as an historical record of his life in sport.

Information

  • Creator
    Kevan Gosper with Tracey Holmes
  • Episodes
    15
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kevan Gosper In His Own Words
  • Show Website
    Kevan Gosper In His Own Words