Tyrolean daily newspaper, editorial, edition from October 6, 2023. By FLORIAN MADL. “Igls – replan instead of just rethinking”.

2023-10-05 22:37:11

Innsbruck (OTS) – With the possible relocation of the 2026 Olympic ice track competitions from Cortina to Innsbruck-Igls, words would finally be followed by actions. A signal that the organizers have finally recognized the signs of the times.

There cannot be enough initiatives to support action on climate change. Moving the Olympic ice track competitions from Cortina to Innsbruck would be a small step, but a symbolic one. According to the International Olympic Committee, there should be plenty of space for environmental considerations and sustainability in the future where there are five rings on them. In any case, we have to move away from the idea that the Olympics can also make political statements: IOC President Thomas Bach has been too compliant in recent years when it comes to standing up to autocrats.
The outcry in this country should Igls be awarded the contract for the ice track competitions will probably not be long in coming. And there is no question: After the plebiscite in 2017, when Tyrol rejected the 2026 Winter Olympics with 53.35 percent voting against, their narrow-gauge version will also provoke criticism. But before anyone takes on this issue in the interests of the election campaign and their own profile and argues with false numbers, as they did six years ago:
No, the Olympics in this form does NOT represent a billion-dollar grave given the total volume of 55 million euros.
And no – the fact that already indispensable investments in the Igl sports infrastructure are upgraded through adaptations such as roofing or a performance center does not justify the term “million-dollar grave”. And refinancing from the IOC, which rewards the organization of the competitions accordingly, would be a nice gift on top of that.
Tyrol also won’t expect a traffic collapse (don’t we already have that at peak times anyway?). Every well-attended concert in the Olympic Hall or an international football match at the Tivoli can boast similar numbers as an Olympic competition in Igls.
The issue of sustainability remains: Given its sporting tradition with two Olympic Games for adults (1964 and 1976) and for young people (2012), Olympic ice competitions in 2026 fit seamlessly into this chronology. A benefit for local tourism and also an incentive for young people to get involved in sports away from the game console.
Igls 2026 – possibly also inspiration for the International Olympic Committee, which is so lazy and likes to ponder visions. Motto: Yes, it is possible to plan beyond the borders for a major event instead of just thinking about it out loud.