Page 3/3 Sportwoche, Nr. 48/30.11.04 Interview: Manfred Behr
You recently expanded your business sector with the merchandising line "Big Fish". A cash cow?
"Big Fish" is not about business. The prices are tightly calculated. And we place importance upon the fact that our producers keep to fair trade agreements - for example, in the area of working conditions. It's much more about wanting to offer the fans something. They expect that. "Big Fish" is a message. For success through dedication, fair play and teamwork. I convey this on my webpage www.markusrogan.at. I believe in this. And, all those who place importance on this notice that they are not "small fish".
Mit Mirna Jukic
Things weren't so harmonious in the point victory against the association concerning the question of the supplier
It became clear that the official top performer couldn't be pushed about. Every successful sportsman has the right to be involved in decisions that affect him or her. For years, we've had a good partnership between the association's top officials and the swimmers. For a short time there was sand in the works. Perhaps it was necessary, for everyone to realise how nice it is to get on well together.
It appeared as though your success had made you a little bit too big for some association officials.
I respect and value your opinion. I personally wouldn't formulate this in such a direct way. But, fundamentally, a sports association cannot be successful when the communication between the officials and the sportsmen isn't right and there isn't a mood of understanding.
Away from swimming, how should the near future look?
I am not in a hurry to exhaust all possibilities. In any case, I want to apply for one of the four new positions to be assigned in the IOC athletic commission in 2008. And then there's still Arnold Schwarzenegger's cabinet. Perhaps he needs an Austrian Relations Manager.
