Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has confirmed that the opening of Paris 2024 “will be in the Seine”, after Emmanuel Macron questioned it following threats from the Islamic State. Likewise, the leader has pointed out that Barcelona has “many possibilities of being an Olympic venue again in the near future.”
“The decision is clear. The inauguration will be in the Seine, but it is also clear that the French authorities are taking into account all the scenarios and are updating them every day,” Bach assured the microphones of the El Món a Rac1 program. The IOC president has dispelled doubts about the opening event, after Macron’s statements where he announced a plan B: “If the threat changes, we have other reserve options.”
Despite the terrorist threats, Bach trusts the work of the French authorities to guarantee security during the Games, from July 26 to August 11: “We live in a world in which every major event must take into account the problems security, is not limited only to the Olympic Games. That is why the French authorities are taking care of it and have been doing so for a long time, in a meticulous and professional manner. We receive regular reports on preparations and they are taking precautions, assessing risk and acting jointly with their international colleagues. For all this, we have great confidence.”
On the other hand, the president of the IOC has explained why Israeli athletes, unlike the Russians and Belarusians, will be able to march in the opening ceremony: “Israel has not annexed any territory like Russia. “Russian and Belarusian athletes can participate individually in the Games as neutral athletes, but they cannot take part in a parade of delegations.”
Bach has also spoken about a possible candidacy for Barcelona to host the Olympics soon: “It must be decided by the people of Barcelona, but I am sure that I am not the only one who has such good memories of those Games. Therefore, the interest of Barcelona, with the support of the National Olympic Committee, would always be a strong argument for the Olympic movement,” commented the leader.