DECISION 2018: Munich backer Bach claims sympathy was behind Pyeongchang's victory
THOMAS Bach, viewed by many as a potential successor to Jacques Rogge as International Olympic Committee president, has questioned Pyeongchang's tactics following their successful bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics.
SORE: Thomas Bach believes sympathy was a key reason behind Pyeongchang's successful bid for the 2018 Olympic Games (Getty Images)
Bach was a key supporter of the Munich bid, which placed a distant second to their Korean rivals, who picked up 63 votes compared to Munich's 25 and Annecy's eight.
Pyeongchang had narrowly lost out to Sochi and Vancouver in previous elections and Bach claimed sympathy and a desire to reward their patience was a key factor.
And he dismissed the claim of Park Yong-sung, the head of Korean Olympic Committee, that the Olympic movement is now looking to new frontiers, following Rio's awarding of the 2016 summer Games.
"I think sentiment was obvious in the Pyeongchang presentation," said Bach.
"They were playing on this sympathy and compassion minute after minute.
"Rio was different. Rio did not play on previous defeats or sympathy or even compassion. Rio was the opening of a new continent for Olympics and Summer Games.
"This has a totally different quality but it's a democratic vote and we see the result."
Rogge admitted previous defeats did have an impact in the overwhelming support the bid received, the first candidate to win outright in the first round of a host city election since Salt Lake City beat Belgrade in 1995 in the race to stage the 2002 Games.
"I think it is combination of two factors," he said.
"To reward the perseverance and patience. The fact that Pyeongchang showed the vision that they wanted to introduce winter sports in Asia has also played a role.
"I didn't expect a victory in the first round, frankly speaking. I thought there would be at least two rounds. But the best bid has won convincingly."
Sportsbeat 2011
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Money, money, money
What comes to my mind in this context:
MONEY makes the world go round!!!
"Excellent" climate change!
In 2009, Pyeongchang staged the Biathlon Championships. With 16° it was too warm, only water and no snow. I know athletes that were not very amused about it as they read "Remember the dream of Pyeongchang."
It is definitely too warm there. So I doubt from this fact that you will see "excellent" Winter games.
From other athletes I heard there were almost no spectators. There is no experience with winter sport in this region.
This is NO FUN for athletes and spectators, believe me.
I guess we were pretty damn smart!
I guess we were pretty damn smart to play the "sympathy card" weren't we? We beat the competition by a mile!
Poor decision if "sympathy"
Poor decision if "sympathy" is more important than security or environment.
With the atomic threat of North Korea in the back excitement will be brought.
Who does actually care about "significant" areas of forests that will be gone?
Samsung and Korean air as giant sponsors stand in the background. This is not a secret.
No wonder that they made the race.
"damn Germans"
Thank you for "damning" me JUST because I am German.
This is of absolutely justified to judge ALL GERMANS as an entity.
To generalise a group ("all Germans, British...") is always a very good judgement.
I for myself don´t judge someone according to his nationality.
damn germans, stop whining.
damn germans, stop whining. losers always have excuses.
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