NBC Sports reports that according to interviews with a number of International Olympic Committee (IOC) members and the Russian delegation, Russian President Vladimir Putin proved the difference in a close vote for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, which resulted in a win for Sochi.
IOC member Jean-Claude Killy of France said, “the Putin charisma can explain four votes. I’m sorry but that’s the way it works in this business”.
Sergei Bubka of the Ukraine, a member of the IOC executive board said, “I think his presence made all the difference. “If he had not come…. a totally different result”.
Gerhard Heiberg, a senior IOC delegate from Norway said, “that Putin was present meant something. It’s not only the city of Sochi, it’s the country that’s behind this”.
“We as Americans always have to be cautious”, said U.S. IOC member Bob Ctvrtlik, who has played a key role in Chicago 2016’s bid plans, reports NBC. He said, it’s perhaps not “necessary” for an American president to be on hand, but added, “I would never want people to think that because a president wasn’t here that we don’t have significant government support”. He said the U.S. will show that support in 2016. “Each bid needs to show significant government support, however that happens – and that is the key”.
Ctvrlik said Putin was a factor. “When you get a race this close, to say he’s not important would be crazy”.
IOC member Prince Albert of Monaco said, “Putin was, I think, one of the strong factors, adding that he was “very positive and strong at the same time – he made the presentation and swayed the undecideds that were a large number as we entered that room in the morning”
As for Putin, he said a decision by the IOC to host the 2014 Games in Sochi was a sign of confidence in Russia.
“Without a doubt, this is a recognition of Russia’s merits in sports…but it is also a positive judgment on our country. It’s a recognition of growing opportunities, particularly economic ones, and the resolution of social problems” in Russia. “I congratulate all lovers of sport, all our citizens, on this joyous and important event”.
Putin signed a decree on hosting the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi in 2014, reports the President’s press office. According to the document the Russian government will have to form a coordination committee to prepare the Games, as well as draft proposals on security measures to ensure safety of the Games’ participants and guests. Russia is also required to develop the infrastructure of Sochi.
President Putin has also recommended that the government draft bills to simplify visa procedures, as well as to set advertising and trading rules prior to and during the Games.
