(ATR) IOC president Thomas Bach called Boston 2024 "a very strong bid" in a live TV interview on Sunday.
Bach spent a couple minutes talking to NBC host Bob Costas prior to the network’s broadcast of Super Bowl XLIV.
In discussing the bidding for the 2024 Summer Olympics, the focus was on Boston for the largely American audience. Bach called Boston "a very strong bid."
"The Bostonians are famous for their love of sport," said the IOC chief. "The colleges and universities can serve as a great backdrop."
Bach gave the interview on set outside University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona prior to the Super Bowl, his first American football game.
An IOC spokesperson tellsAround the RingsBach traveled to Arizona with IOC member Alex Gilady, U.S. Olympic Committee chairman Larry Probst, and Rio 2016 president Carlos Nuzman.
The IOC president was unworried when asked about opposition to the bid such as the No Boston Olympics group.
"If that would be 100% support by now, we would be very suspicious. We’re in a democratic country here. You will never have 100% support.
"On the other hand, somebody who is asking a question is not necessarily against [the bid]."
Bach commended Boston 2024 on the work done to this point.
"The bid leaders, from what we can see, have taken the right approach, talking with the people, listening to the people, and then building solid support for the Games."
When asked about the rest of the 2024 field, Bach mentioned Rome, Paris, and Germany, but left open the possibility more bidders could emerge by saying, "There are some others."
"You can expect strong competition," Bach said, "but this is what the Americans love."
Bach Ribs Rio 2016
When the Rio Olympics came up, Bach took a subtle jab at the pace of preparations for the Games.
"Maybe on the day of the opening ceremony, when we come to the stadium," said Bach, "we’ll still have the opportunity to thank some of the workers personally for the work they are just doing to finish the stadium.
"But then when we go out to the stands, we will be overwhelmed by the Brazilians’ hospitality, by their enthusiasm and love for sport."
Written by Nick Devlin
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