(ATR) Thomas Bach says that "nobody could have any doubt" of Buenos Aires as an Olympic host following a successful staging of the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.
In his closing press conference Bach said that the local organizers of the 2018 YOG staged a Games that was "impressive and touching", adding that it was "truly [a] Youth Olympic Games of a new era".
Local press quickly asked Bach if his comments signaled that the IOC was interested in a Summer Olympic bid from Buenos Aires. When pressed if the city has the ability to host the event, Bach needed only one word to answer: "Yes".
"This is up to the Argentinians to decide whether they want to be candidate or not," Bach said. "What I can say is that after this outstanding success of this YOG I could not see anybody in the IOC having any doubt about the capability of Argentina and Buenos Aires to organize the excellent Olympic Games."
Buenos Aires 2018 President Gerardo Werthein cautioned against an immediate foray into an Olympic bid. Organizers will take their time "digesting and seeing what lessons are learned" from the event.
"We have to start thinking if Argentinians want this, if there is consensus, and if we have the economic resources," Werthein said. "If we all agree that this is a good step for Argentina then we have to sit down, organize take a look at the budget and make decisions. I’m very honored to see that the Olympic Committee sees Buenos Aires as a candidate but we are the ones who have to make this decision."
Should the Argentina Olympic Committee continue its interest in a bid it would join an already crowded field considering bidding for the next available Summer Olympics. Australia, Germany, Indonesia, India, and the Korean Peninsula have all publicly stated interest in hosting the 2032 Olympics. Buenos Aires last bid for the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Buenos Aires was not the only city thrown around as a candidate for an Olympic event in the press conference. Bach mentioned that Ushuaia, Argentina was beginning to discuss pursuing a Winter Youth Olympic Games.
Should Ushuaia submit a successful bid it would be the first Winter Olympic event in the Southern Hemisphere. Traditionally both the Winter Olympics and Winter Youth Olympics are held during the northern hemisphere winter months to accommodate the international sports schedule.
Bach said that while he welcomed the city exploring the option of hosting a Winter Youth Olympic Games, "there is some way to go". He mentioned that the city needs to address where to host ice sport events, though the infrastructure for skiing is well developed.
"The Governor of Ushuaia has made her interest known about organizing the Winter Games but we have to study this very carefully," Werthein said. "We are still organizing this summer game. [But] this is a possibility. We have to analyze [any project] in detail and if people from Ushuaia want to undertake this venture then we have to study the budget."
Buenos Aires 2018 reached the million spectator threshold on the final day of the 2018 YOG. The attendance mark was one of the many positive stories Bach said he wanted highlighted from the event. Bringing sport directly to the people of Buenos Aires, gender equality, and the urban development of the Youth Olympic Village were all highlights from the 2018 YOG, according to the IOC.
"I’m sorry for you that it may be a little bit boring because usually you don’t look so much for good news and I have only to tell you good news today," Bach said. "I hope for once you accept this because I’m sure you also in your experience you have the same feelings and you share this judgment about really great YOG."
Coverage of the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games is made possible in part by BA 2018
Written and reported by Aaron Bauer in Buenos Aires
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