The chapter explores the unique start of the 33rd Olympics on the Seine river, breaking tradition by not commencing in a stadium. It delves into the financial struggles of the IOC and the risks to its reputation posed by past instances of overspending on Olympic activities.
Ever since the first Olympics were held over a century ago, the Games have been known for dazzling sporting feats…and dazzlingly expensive opening ceremonies. Recently, the ballooning cost of hosting the Games has led residents in Boston, Rome, and Oslo to reject efforts to bring the Olympics to their cities. As a result, the International Olympic Committee is hoping to rein in costs – starting with Paris.
On today’s podcast, host Sarah Holder speaks with Bloomberg reporter Hugo Miller about the lessons Paris 2024 is trying to take from the first and only profitable Olympics held in Los Angeles in 1984 – and why no less than the future of the Games is at stake.
Read more: Faster, Higher — Cheaper? Paris's Budget Effort to Reboot the Olympics
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