Blanco rules out Madrid bid for the 2036 Olympic Games

Rumors have been circulating about Madrid considering a fourth bid to host the Olympics after losing out to Tokyo in 2020, London in 2012, and Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Amid reports the Spanish capital may bid for the 2036 Olympics, Spanish Olympic Committee President Alejandro Blanco addressed the issue in a recent interview. He unequivocally ruled out the possibility of Madrid hosting the 2036 Games.

In his recent discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Blanco noted Spain’s best chance of hosting an Olympics would be in 2030, in an effort to host the Winter Games in Zaragoza or Catalonia.

However any Barcelona-Pyrenees Winter Olympics bid would have to pass a referendum vote.

Blanco touched on a number of subjects in an interview this week with radio station RAC1 in Spain.

“I have had several meetings with the mayor of Madrid talking about this issue and Madrid, without a doubt, is a city that should try to host the Olympic Games, but it will not opt for the 2036 Games.”

Despite being the biggest city in Europe that has never hosted the Olympics, Blanco noted Madrid would still like to continue their bid process.

“The commitment we have is that Madrid resume high-level activities again to try in the future to opt for the Games. Madrid’s dream must not disappear, but it is not on the table right now.”

The recommendation of the IOC regarding the 2036 Games was that Madrid would not be a strong candidate.

“Everyone must have peace of mind and restart the path to opt for tomorrow”.

Spain has had a rough time in the Olympic bid process, losing five straight times. It was last beaten by Tokyo and runner-up Istanbul for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

The 2036 Summer Games are the first available open spot, while the 2030 Winter Games host is also undecided.