Sir Rols

Omg, that would be sweet. I can just imagine him raging and fuming.

I’m not aware of any more recent books looking at campaigns past 2012, but I’d be keen myself if anyone knows of any. There’s surely a great history or insider’s account of the Bach “reforms” for whoever’s brave enough to write it. The thread linked below lists a lot of other boons you might find interesting @Fernando Joaquim

My main “go to” book about Olympic History is Athens to Athens by David Miller. It’s a comprehensive history of the Olympics and the IOC up to 2004, and does include potted accounts of the various bid campaigns to then. Two really good in-depth accounts from inside particular bidding campaigns are The Bid by Rod McGeoch and The Race for the 2012 Olympics by Mike Lee, detailing the 2000 and 2022 races respectively. Both really good accounts of the strategies and tactics of their campaigns, and also looking a bit at the competing bids. Inside the Olympics by Dick Pound is a fascinating account of the goings on within the IOC by one of its most influential members. He really is the sage of Samaranch-era Olympic politics, and includes chapters on Olympics bids and bidding. Enjoy your reading/research!

To tell the truth, it’s grown on me a lot. Not bad for a wordmark logo. I don’t think they even need to change it down the track - works fine.

Posting this for @baron-pierreIV. He can explain

‘cuz Iran’s the best place at the moment for life and safety… ‘Anyway, good a time as any to debut my new sig

That’s all okay then… Infantino insists Trump has assured him Iran are ‘welcome’ to play at 2026 World Cup

Here’s the paywalled article. It’s basically anticipating Kirsty’s Fit for the Future reforms, and draws a lot on the Duncan Mackay article we’ve been discussing in the Future of the Winter Olympics thread. June’s shaping up to be an interesting IOC session.

Wouldn’t be a bad choice. Baz is provably better at stage than he is at film. on screen his frenetic pace is rither hit, or all too often, miss. But he earned his chops either Opera Australia and knows how to lift a live presentation.

Well, they’re all part of the super rich masters if the universe milieu At least their expensive hobby us the Olympics, rather than building private spacecraft

He’d be a shoo-in for the 32 Para OC, even if he is more famous here for Spicks and Specks than The Last Leg

And they’re actually spending big on the bid Ambani’s Big Bet on India’s Olympic Dream: A Game-Changer for 2036 and Beyond

Quite a few actually, including Coventry, Samaranch, Infantino, Bach…

For all the talk about 36, the Europeans seem to be hedging their bets and talking more towards 2040. The Germans certainly seem to be leaning that way, the news reports of Italy this week all mention 2040 more, and I see Samaranch this week has mentioned Spain aiming towards 40. I think they’re resigned to 36 going elsewhere (but are arming themselves to step in to the 36 breach if the opportunity presents). I agree India’s momentum appears to be fading. That said, I don’t think Ahmedabad’s facilities need proving - they were full steam ahead already before the Commies got approved. CWGs 2030 could be more of a test event to fine tune if they get the nod for 36. Depends how much debt Kirsty is in to the Ambanis. I still wouldn’t write-off Doha. Current hostilities will blow over soon enough (unless the Orange cvnt puts boots on the ground - which admittedly you can’t rule out whatever stupid thing he could do. Probably depends if the news cycle gets bored with Iran and the focus shifts back to the Epstein files). I personally still think Doha’s in pole position. It all depends, timing wise, when Kirsty’s Fit for Future review surfaces and what it brings. Hopefully we’ll see in June. If they stick with the current “New Norm” behind closed doors host selection, it’s likely good news for Doga and India’s chances. If they go back to some sort of vote for the hosts, the European’s hopes for 36 will rise.

I doubt they have an IF yet, or enough national federations on each continent to aspire. I think it’s a safe bet though to assume the Irving progeny - Bindi and Rob - will feature somewhere in the ceremonies or as games Ambassadors. He’s in his 80s now. Probably enjoying retirement.

I don’t love the logo, but I don’t hate it either. It remains to be seen how it’s applied dynamically during the games and in broadcasts, snd how it meshes within the overall “Look”. It’s got the potential to be special, but might also become distracting. I never thought of that. You’re right, it’ll definitely boost the collectibles range snd revenues.

Donald Trump ‘really does not care’ if Iran play at World Cup 2026 What’s the bet he asks Infantino to invite Israel instead?

What I’ve always liked about the Mexico logo is it’s one of the few logos that really feels of it’s time - it really does have a groovy swinging 60’s vibe to it, to me at least.

To be fair, they do play the occasional “international” against Ireland, but I think it’s some weird Australian-Gaelic football hybrid. But what would I know - I’m a Sydneysider who considers AFL a weird Melbourne obsession. More seriously, Duncan Mackay had an interesting aside in his piece last week about trimming the winter sports: More consideration will be given in the future to sports that are popular in the territories that are hosting the Olympics. That is why, despite the plans to reduce the number of sports at Brisbane 2032, cricket will almost certainly be included for its second consecutive appearance in the Games following its reintroduction at LA28. Netball, too, could have a strong case, but lacrosse and squash should probably make the most of their moments in the sun at LA28. Cricket I don’t think anybody would be surprised by. Netball sounds fair enough too - though it’s one of the few sports where the women’s side is far more dominant t than any men’s competition d.

According to the Politico article, CONI’s looking at Rome

Ask, and you may get… Italy loved the Olympics so much it wants to host them again

Andrew Dillon reveals AFL’s Olympic-sized ambitions for Brisbane 2032

Every new edition of the games comes out shinier than what went before, and Milano-Cortiba’s coverage was simply next level - 4K, mostly great weather against a spectacular Alpine backdrop, the breathtaking drone footage (and am I right in thinking they even managed to muffle down the drone buzz by the second week?). A stunning broadcast achievement. It’s great that @Brekkie Boy was so taken by it. That’s what you want. Each new edition entrancing the audience and reawakening a passion for the games or sparking a new love for them by those just starting to become acquainted with them. For myself, as I’ve mentioned, they didn’t give me the same magic, wonder and joy that Lillehammer, Vancouver or even Sochi (before the grim reality behind it irredeemably tainted it) gave me, but I put that on me rather than the games themselves.

I was trying to find my own pic, but got this off the internet instead. The Olympic Eishalle is still used in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Honestly, GO FOR IT! Travel broadens perspectives annd all that, Britain is not THAT huge a cultural leap to make, and you’re young - seize the experience.