A seductive success

It's normal to have slight circles under your eyes after eleven days of intensive observation of exciting competitions at the European Championships. Some events ended late, partly because of nightcaps and such. And early in the morning we went back to the sporting party in the Olympic Park. Short nights, long but great days are over. And now, of course, we're dreaming again. That's what I feared after the many positive reactions from the active players and also the fans. Again the beautiful word “summer fairy tale” was strained and then it was said: Fire open for the dream concert.

Because everything was so beautiful, so beautiful and the enthusiasm brought with it an intense risk of infection, the rings are now taking shape and color again. These are the ones that represent the symbol of the Olympic Games. And because 1,2 million viewers watched the competitions on site, and because the television stations everywhere met with a great response to their broadcasts, the oversized question of the next Olympic Games in Germany appears again like a ghost. Maybe even in Munich, because it would be hard to ignore the praise from the athletes for the good atmosphere and the fair cheering for everyone, regardless of their nation. Nine instead of 32 sports The question, however, can be asked: Does it have to be the case with the Olympic Games just because these many continental title fights in one place and in a compact form can now be described as successful? Nine sports were held in Munich. A very important one at the Olympics, namely swimming, was taking place in Rome at the same time. At the next competitions under the banner of the rings in Paris 2024 there will be 32 different sports. So Munich was just a mini Olympics. Luckily, because you didn't have to adhere to the requirements of the International Olympic Committee and meet their financial requirements.

The organizers of the European Championships were free in their organizational structure. There were even events where you didn't have to pay a fee. Unimaginable at the Olympic Games. And nothing, absolutely nothing, had to be built specially. Except for tubular steel stands, which have now disappeared again. The Olympic Park with its 290 hectares, an island in the hustle and bustle of the big city, was the soul of the many championships, the cultural supporting program was exhilarating and relaxing. There was no need for an Olympic Village. The hotels in and around Munich offered sufficient accommodation.

The sunset behind the Olympic Park in Munich. © APA/afp / INA FASSBENDER

Where there was nothing, improvisations were made, such as for track cycling, where a track was quickly set up in the Munich Trade Fair. It was only 200m long instead of the usual 250m. But this was quickly accepted, even if the centrifugal forces were more intense due to the steeper curves. 1700 spectators fit into the hall. That was enough too. For mountain biking you didn't go into the mountains, but with a lot of imagination you offered a great route on the Olympiaberg. The triathletes swam through the lake, which was created 50 years ago, and the cyclists discovered the picturesque Bavarian foothills of the Alps.

On the Königsplatz, volleyball players played in the sand and climbers defied gravity and even the walkers and marathon runners went on a sightseeing tour through the Bavarian capital. It was, one might say, perfect. But more wouldn't have been good. The sheer, overwhelming size of the Olympic Games would never have made the ease of these European Championships possible. The next appointments are occupied Yes, the European Championships were a complete success. But they don't have to serve as a blueprint for an Olympic bid, especially since Munich recently failed miserably in its bid for the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, where the god of gigantism was once again extensively paid homage. Much to the delight of the IOC, where modesty is encouraged, but every new stadium triggers great joy. The event in Munich cost around 100 million euros. The most recent Olympic Games in Tokyo cost around 12 billion euros.

And there are two more arguments that speak against applying again in Germany. On the one hand, the Summer Olympics have already been booked for the long term. After Paris 2024, Los Angeles will follow and then Brisbane, Australia, has received a kind of preliminary award. And then the next date is only available in 2036, exactly one hundred years after the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, which were exploited by Adolf Hitler's NSDAP. It would be an unfortunate constellation and certainly not a good omen.

About the person: Sigi Heinrich The renowned sports journalist, author and award-winning Eurosport commentator (including winner of the German Television Prize and the Bavarian Sports Prize) not only dedicates his column “Sigi's Spitze” to the entire diversity of sport. He also deals with topics outside of his usual profession. Sometimes very seriously, often with a mischievous wink and sometimes deliberately provocative. There should be something for everyone.

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A seductive success

The European Championships in Munich brought exciting sport, brought honor to the organizer and convinced spectators and participants alike. However, our columnist Sigi Heinrich is not seduced by the euphoria of the resulting Olympic bid.

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