Montreal spent 30 years on the Olympics, the Greeks' softball stadium is deteriorating. Why cities are no longer rushing to host the Games
The article discusses the declining interest in hosting the Olympics, using Cortina d’Ampezzo's recent Olympic preparations as a case study.
The article reflects on the growing dissatisfaction with hosting the Olympic Games, as illustrated by the residents of Cortina d’Ampezzo, who express varying opinions about the recent construction and its impact on their town. Some locals argue against the Olympics due to last-minute construction changes that have altered the landscape, while others believe that these changes are necessary for the town's development. Notably, Olympic medalist Gildo Siorpaes has joined the dissenters, emphasizing the loss of pristine views that the town once offered.
This situation in Cortina aligns with a broader trend of diminishing enthusiasm for the Olympic Games on a global scale. The piece highlights that since the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, no Olympic events have profited, leading to a growing skepticism about the financial and ecological implications of hosting such large-scale events. The article suggests that the prestige once associated with the Olympics is no longer a strong enough incentive for cities to endure the challenges imposed by such an undertaking.
Ultimately, it seems that communities are becoming more aware of the potential pitfalls of the Olympic Games, leading to a trend where cities are increasingly reluctant to host them. The article raises important questions about the future of the Olympics, especially as public sentiment continues to shift against the mega-events that were once widely celebrated.