Wednesday, November 09, 2016

Trump Presidency Weakens Addition of Ultimate to 2024 Olympic Program

The 2016 Presidential Election is over. And, Donald J. Trump will be in office when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) selects the 2024 host city in September 2017. Los Angeles is competing with Budapest and Paris.

USA Ultimate and World Flying Disc Federation have publicly stated they are focused on the 2024 Olympics for the inclusion of the sport of ultimate. Moreover, USAU's CEO indicated favoring Los Angeles' bid for the 2024 Olympics.


However, concerns prior to the November 8th election were widely reported that a Trump presidency would hurt LA's bid for the 2024 Olympics.

There is concern a Trump presidency would imperil Los Angeles Olympic bid
"Twenty years after the United States last hosted a Summer Olympic Games, there is great concern within U.S. Olympic circles that a Donald Trump presidency could severely damage the chances of the next U.S. candidate to host the Games."

LA Mayor: Trump victory could turn off IOC voters to '24 bid
"Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti acknowledged Saturday that the results of November's U.S. presidential election could weigh heavily on his city's chances of hosting the 2024 Olympics, saying that a victory by Donald Trump could turn off IOC voters."

Could a Trump win mean L.A. loses the Olympic bid?
"officials are concerned that Trump's rhetoric may strike a negative cord with some of the representatives of the International Olympic Committee who vote for the host city."

Ultimate could certainly stand on its own as an addition to the Olympic program. It's uncertain whether or not the leader of the county's host factors into the IOC decisions. All in all, the election results don't give as rosy outlook for L.A.'s hosting bid, or, indirectly, ultimate's aspirations for the Olympics.

Meanwhile, IOC President offered congratulations to president-elect Donald Trump:

UPDATED [1/28/2017]: Trump's ban of immigration and refugees negatively affects the L.A.'s 2024 Olympic bid.


1 comment:

Tonnor said...

Budapest has withdrawn its bid for the 2024 Olympics, leaving just Los Angeles and Paris.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-23/olympics-in-crisis-as-just-two-cities-vie-to-host-summer-games