Sweden knows the refrain too well. For the ninth time in its history, the Scandinavian country which has a rich history in winter sports has expressed its interest in organizing the Winter Olympic Games. And he failed again.
This latest refusal occurred on Wednesday, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) opted for an unexpected French bid – which will bring together the Alps region and the southern French seaside resort of Nice – to host the Games. winter of 2030.
In short, the Swedes are stunned.
After all, the IOC – which had trouble securing bids for the 2030 Olympics and painted itself into a corner as time began to run out – opened the door to Sweden last January. It was then a candidacy practically identical to the one submitted for obtaining the 2026 Olympic Games, which were finally awarded to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Sweden had received support from local and national governments, business and its sports organizations. For once, this country had the support of the population – an achievement, since they have always refused to blindly support the organizers of major sporting events.
Furthermore, the Swedish bid was economically sound and respected the rules of sustainable development – in line with the requirements stipulated by the IOC.
But it wasn’t enough.
So the leaders of the Swedish Olympic movement are asking themselves questions.
“There is a trend,” admitted Hans von Uthmann, the president of the Swedish Olympic Committee, to the Association Press on Thursday. What can we learn from this trend? Is the Swedish way of doing things incompatible with the IOC’s expectations? I do not know. »
Von Uthmann is having a hard time swallowing the IOC’s decision – his country has produced some of the world’s greatest winter sports athletes, including legendary skier Ingemar Stenmark, prestigious cross-country skiers Gunde Svan and Sixten Jernberg, and star hockey player Peter Forsberg – which means that Sweden has still not been able to organize a Winter Games.
“In terms of sustainable development,” he recalled, “a theme which is very dear to the IOC leaders, there were two candidacies (Sweden and Switzerland) which stood out, which essentially relied on existing rather than on the construction of new structures.
“Then, the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Games were awarded to a country that wants to build two new arenas,” he concluded dryly.
