Were the Salt Lake Games the best Games ever? Former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch wasn’t there to tell us.
Although Russian President Vladmir Putin may have called the Games “a flop”, noted filmmaker Bud Greenspan lists the Lillehammer Games first with Salt Lake a close second.
And IOC President Jacques Rogge said he was “extremely pleased” with the Games but would work with sports federations to prevent judging scandals. Rogge said he planned a debriefing with winter sports leaders to “establish a list of points’ assuring judging in sports such as figure skating and short-track speed skating was fair, although he said the IOC had no plans to take over the judging.
Rogge also said the IOC was pleased with the work of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee. “They have done a superb job. The venues were superb. The crowds were warm and supportive. The athletes were very happy”.
He also enjoyed his stay in the Olympic Village and said he wanted to stay there again “if they will have me”.
