Janice R. Andrews
An increasing number of people are voicing worries over the actual expense of organizing such a large-scale event as the globe gets ready for the spectacular show that will be the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Eric Sheehan, a prominent figure in NOlympics LA, an organization working to prevent Los Angeles from hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028, is one of these voices. This grassroots campaign is an example of the general public’s growing disenchantment with the Olympic Games, which is being fueled by worries about monetary waste, social unrest, and dubious long-term advantages.
The Price of Holding the Games
The enormous expense is one of the main justifications against hosting the Olympics. The auditors for the French government estimate that the overall cost to taxpayers might be between £2.5 and £4 billion, despite the fact that the Olympics in Paris in 2024 are predicted to cost over £7.5 billion. It’s the financial burden that many recent Olympic hosts have in common. The initial budget for the London 2012 Olympics was £2.4 billion, but the actual expenditure came to £13.5 billion. Additionally, the Rio Games in 2016 greatly exceeded its budget.
According to a research by academics Alexander Budzier and Bent Flyvbjerg of Oxford University, since 1960, the initial budgets for the Summer Olympic Games have been overspent by an average of 195%, while the Winter Games have overspent by 132%. The “planning fallacy,” in which early cost estimates are kept unrealistically low, only to skyrocket once the project begins, is blamed for this constant trend of overspending.
The Effect on Society
The social effects of hosting the Olympics can extend far beyond the financial ones. Around 12,000 homeless people were removed from Paris as part of the preparations for the 2024 Olympics, and months of transportation congestion resulted from road closures and higher bus and metro prices. The exorbitant cost of tickets has also made it difficult for locals to attend events.
These worries are mirrored in the circumstances in Los Angeles. Sheehan and NOlympics LA contend that public housing, homeless assistance, and other vital public services would be better uses of the projected $7 billion needed to organize the 2028 Games. Sheehan thinks that a city council move could be able to prevent Los Angeles from hosting the Games, even with the heavy financial cost attached. This is in spite of the contractual commitments that cities have once they are granted the Games.
The Reduction in Attention
The bidding process makes it clear that enthusiasm in hosting the Olympics is waning. Following the withdrawal of bids from a number of other cities, Paris and Los Angeles were awarded the 2024 and 2028 Games, respectively. This absence of competition serves as a stark reminder of how reluctant cities are becoming to host the Games.
This is not an issue exclusive to the Olympics. Following its withdrawal as a bidder, the Australian state of Victoria has left the Commonwealth Games of 2026 without a host. In the event that no other host is found, this uncertainty increases the likelihood of a postponement or maybe cancelation.
Doubting the Advantages
The argument put up by supporters of hosting the Olympics is that it increases tourism and leaves a legacy of better infrastructure. But there is growing doubt about these assertions. For example, during the 2012 Olympics, London experienced 6% fewer tourists than the year before. The Olympics are not necessary to draw people to Paris, which is already the most visited city in the world. It appears that the anticipated increase in tourism may not materialize, as reports of vacant hotel rooms and eateries throughout the Games imply.
Unfulfilled is the promised “legacy” of the Olympics as well. Despite early claims of 50%, just 10% of the dwellings constructed on the Olympic Park site in London are considered affordable housing. A large number of the 2004 Olympic venues in Athens are now vacant and abandoned, which adds to Greece’s financial problems.
The Reform Needed
There is a drive to change how the Olympics are held as public knowledge of these problems increases. Under Olympic Agenda 2020, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has implemented steps to cut expenses, including promoting the use of current venues and permitting events to be held in partner cities. These safeguards haven’t completely stopped cost overruns, though; it’s still anticipated that the Paris 2024 Olympics will cost 115% more than originally projected.
Political scientist Jules Boykoff and other experts contend that although these actions are a positive start, they fall short of what is needed. Boykoff draws attention to the persistent problems with the Games, such as overspending, relocation, militarization of public areas, greenwashing, and corruption.
Different Methods
It has been shown by a few towns that the advantages of serving as an Olympic host may be obtained without holding the games. New York City had comprehensive plans for urban renewal when it submitted a proposal to host the 2012 Games. Despite London’s winning offer, the city went ahead with many of the suggested upgrades, leaving the intended legacy at a far lower cost.
One potential solution to mitigate some of the socio-economic issues is to implement a co-hosting arrangement, akin to what is increasingly prevalent in international competitions. Events might be spread over several cities with existing infrastructure, which would lessen the financial and environmental burden.
A deeper understanding of the actual expenses of hosting the Olympics is reflected in the rising frustration with the process. Fewer communities are ready to take on the responsibility of hosting as they grow more conscious of the financial, social, and environmental effects. Should major reforms not be implemented, the IOC runs the risk of alienating democratic countries, which might leave authoritarian governments as the only ones eager to host the Games for their own political ends.
The Olympics’ survival could hinge on developing a viable model that reduces expenses while optimizing advantages for host cities. Until then, the Olympic flame will continue to flicker uncertainly in the winds of change as the attraction of hosting the largest sports event in the world fades.
