The Spanish capital will not bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics as expected. This was confirmed by the President of the Spanish Olympic Committee, Alejandro Blanco, in an interview with radio station RAC1.
“I’ve had several meetings with Madrid’s mayor where we’ve talked about it”said Blanco. “Madrid is without a doubt a city that should try to host the Olympic Games. But they won’t try to host the 2036 Games.” Madrid had already unsuccessfully applied for the 1972, 2012, 2016 and 2020 games.
Focus on Winter Games 2030
The reason for the current waiver was information from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). “The IOC has told us that we have the best chance if we prepare for the 2030 Winter Games.” According to the wishes of the Spaniards, these should take place in Barcelona and the Pyrenees. The initiative is applying with proven venues: Albertville in France, Soldeu in Andorra and La Molina in Spain. Zaragoza is also considered a candidate.
The other three official applicants are all former Winter Games host cities: Salt Lake City (USA, 2002), Sapporo (Japan, 1972) and Vancouver (Canada, 2010). The IOC is expected to announce the venue in 2023.
Initiative for the Olympics in Thuringia, Saxony and Bavaria
In Germany, a private initiative was formed in 2019 that wants to bring the Olympics to Thuringia, Saxony and Bavaria. The new President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), Thomas Weikert, recently expressed reservations about efforts to host the 2030 Winter Games. “It’s probably too early, we don’t want to go swimming, but I don’t want to rule it out completely.”
Berlin a candidate for the 2036 Summer Games
The summer games in 2036 are different. Even before his election as DOSB President, Weikert spoke out in favor of a German candidature – subject to the consent of the population. The number one candidate is the capital Berlin, which would then be the host again exactly 100 years after the Nazi Games of 1936 – possibly in symbolic cooperation with the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. The Rhine-Ruhr initiative, which failed miserably with its efforts to host the 2032 Games, keeps her interested.
Madrid’s withdrawal could increase Germany’s chances, especially since Russia is hardly an option as a host after the war of aggression in Ukraine. But it will be years before the contract is awarded – and there will probably be some competitors. Egypt has great ambitions and India is also considered a potential buyer.