Everything Everywhere Daily
Hosting the Olympics
Jan 8, 2025
The International Olympic Committee made a bold move by awarding both the 2024 and 2028 Games to Paris and Los Angeles. This decision highlights a growing reluctance among cities to host the Olympics due to economic strains and political challenges. The podcast dives into the evolution of the Olympics, from local events to extravagant global spectacles. It also discusses the declining interest in hosting, with many cities shying away and the idea of a permanent venue gaining ground.
19:02
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The significant financial burden and risks associated with hosting the Olympics have led to a dramatic decline in cities willing to bid.
- Proposals for permanent Olympic venues or rotating hosts aim to mitigate financial strain and maintain the Games' viability in the future.
Deep dives
The Changing Dynamics of Hosting the Olympics
The shift in willingness to host the Olympic Games can be traced back to the mounting costs and the financial risks involved. Initially, hosting the Olympics was seen as an honor and a prestigious opportunity for cities, often piggybacking on existing events like the World's Fair. Over time, the financial burden of hosting these games escalated dramatically, with some cities facing crippling debt decades later, such as Montreal’s $7 billion cost for the 1976 Olympics. This has led to a significant decline in bids, with Los Angeles and Paris being awarded the next games primarily due to a lack of other cities expressing interest.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
