When he was president of the International Olympic Committee, Juan Antonio Samaranch warned two years ago that Greece risked losing the 2004 Summer Games because of serious delays in preparations.
Now Samaranch told reporters in Salt Lake City, “I believe preparations for Athens are faring much better. In the beginning, lots of irretrievable time was lost. I’m sure that the Games will be successful”.
When asked about commercial aspects of the current Winter Olympics, Samaranch said television ratings were high in North America, Asia and Europe. “I think it was a successful move to decide to stage the Winter Olympics on separate years. Both they and the Summer Olympics have, subsequently, grown.”
