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How do Swiss athletes react to the rejection of the 2030 Olympics in their own country? SRF asked the biathletes in Östersund.
Those responsible for Switzerland’s Olympic efforts expressed optimism after the abrupt end to a possible candidacy in 2030. The IOC’s promise of being in pole position for a bid for the Winter Games in 2038 was well received.
«We still have the opportunity to make history, but we have to wait 8 years longer. But you have to look at it rationally: If we really manage to bring the 2038 Olympics to Switzerland, we will be further along than we have been in the last 75 years,” said Swiss Ski President Urs Lehmann, alluding to the last 1948 Winter Games held in Switzerland in St. Moritz.
Sports Minister Viola Amherd even sells the time gain as a success. “If you see how big such an Olympic candidacy and the event is, I am not unhappy about it,” explained the Federal Councilor.
Hartweg: “It’s frustrating”
The mood among active Swiss winter sports enthusiasts is completely different. Niklas Hartweg (23) and Lea Meier (22) would be 38 and 37 respectively in 15 years and therefore of advanced age as athletes. The opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games in their own country might come too late for them. The reaction of the two biathletes is corresponding.
«I don’t understand exactly why this decision was made. It is frustrating. As a young athlete, that would of course have been an incredible thing, a milestone in your career,” said Hartweg on the sidelines of the World Cup in Östersund, Sweden. «We were confident. It came as a surprise to me that the IOC withdrew it so early.”
Meier was also disappointed to hear the news on Wednesday evening. “A week ago people were still talking about everything being on the right track. It’s a childhood dream that probably won’t come true for me now.”