Durban – If people from Munich, Pyeongchang and Annecy did not know much about South Africa, they will come this Wednesday when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announces the host city of the 2018 Winter Olympics.
These three cities are waiting with bated breath to find out if they will be the chosen city and have all made compelling arguments in support of their bids.
Durban will welcome IOC President Jacques Rogge for the 123rd IOC Session, a first for Africa, early Monday morning. There will be a host of international dignitaries including heads of states and the recently married Royal Manaco couple, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene.
Munich wants the right to host the Winter Games because they have not been awarded the honour in 80 years. Pyeongchang feel their determination and passion after two failed bids must demonstrate their commitment to the Olympics.
Annecy meanwhile are riding on the nostalgia factor. France hosted the first official Winter Olympics in 1924 in the French resort of Chamonix.
This is the Germans’ fourth Olympic bid in recent years. Christian Neureuther, Munich 2018 ambassador and three-time Olympian emphasised the unique prospect on offer for athletes in his home town, Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
“I competed so many times on these slopes – my home ground – and I will never forget that atmosphere. The cheering, the songs, the cowbells… just incredible. And I was lucky enough to compete at three Winter Games, in ’72, ’76 and ’80.
“But I never had the chance to mix that buzz of Garmisch-Partenkirchen with that special magic of the Olympic Games. I really hope we get the opportunity to put that right at Munich 2018 and create an unforgettable moment of Winter Games history,” said Neureuther.
Rising star Monica H~bner (21), an alpine skier said: “It would be a dream come true seeing the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games being held in my home town. I have been dreaming of that moment ever since I first saw the Games on TV in 1998. Even if I don’t participate as an athlete, it would still be a dream come true”.
The Korean candidate city, Pyeongchang, is set on building a new legacy for winter sports in Asia. After failing to secure the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, the Koreans have piled on their experience and resources for their third attempt.
Their bid this time has centred around running a compact and athlete-friendly Olympics. All the venues will be within 30 minutes of each other.
The Koreans co-hosted the 2002 Soccer World Cup with Japan and the Summer Olympic Games in 1988.
Meanwhile, France President Nicolas Sarkozy has urged the IOC members to vote for Annecy because the French bid has “something very special”.
Sarkozy has pointed out that the region has glorious mountains which bode well for the games.
Annecy is reported to have the smallest budget of the three cities.
The French president will not be in the country and will instead be represented by Prime Minister Francois Fillon. -Kemantha Govender, BuaNews
