The German Olympic Sports Committee (DOSB) announced on Saturday that it has chosen Munich as Germany's entry to compete for hosting at least the next three editions of the Summer Olympics. This decision comes as Munich seeks to make up for two unsuccessful bids to host the Winter Olympics in 2018 and 2022, and it also has a history of hosting the Summer Olympics in 1972.
Reviewing available options and support from the Minister of Sports
Before the vote, Ronald Rau, a former Olympic champion and the new Minister of Sports, said: "We have an international duty and must enter into competition with a city or region that provides the best chances for Germany on the international stage. This decision is made by sports, and I assume it will be taken with great responsibility." Munich and a proposal from the Rhine-Ruhr region led by Cologne were the only two options available.
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High ticket sales in Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr
The head of North Rhine-Westphalia recently announced that this region could sell up to 17.6 million tickets for the games, the highest number in Olympic history. This figure reflects the high potential of the Rhine-Ruhr region in attracting spectators and participating in hosting the games.
As of Thursday, Berlin was one of the competing cities, but the mayor announced that Berlin would withdraw from the competition. This withdrawal came after the left-wing socialist party won the recent elections in Germany's capital. Elif Arap, the main candidate of this party and a potential mayor, stated that she does not support Berlin's bid.
Olympic outlook for 2040
On Friday, Ronald Rau expressed his support for Germany's bid to host the 2040 Olympics, as this date coincides with an important historical milestone. He added: "2040 marks the fiftieth anniversary of German reunification, and we can send a significant signal that aligns with the values of the Olympics."
Rau also referred to his personal history, saying: "Based on my personal history, 2040 is my favorite date. It relates to the fact that I am a Berlin child, and as a student, I experienced what happens to people when a wall falls and how two separated population groups become one community again."
Ultimately, Rau emphasized: "In the end, one thing is more important than anything else: bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games back to our country. It doesn't matter when this happens."
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