IOC: Rio Olympics were ‘most perfect imperfect games’
LAUSANNE, Switzerland — A few months after the closing ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, IOC officials have a new tagline for South America’s first Olympics: “The most perfect imperfect games.”
The International Olympic Committee held a news conference on Tuesday to accentuate the positives of the Rio Games, which were held amid Brazil’s political and economic crisis and experienced problems with empty seats, budget cuts, green water and other organizational issues.
“The games worked,” said Christophe Dubi, the IOC’s executive director of the Olympic Games. “Were they perfect? No. The organizers faced immense difficulties. But, in the end, you have to take your hat off. It’s extraordinary what they have delivered.”
The IOC has been going out of its way to publicly defend the Rio Games, seeking to blunt any lasting criticism and encourage potential future host cities at a time when many have been turning away because of concerns over high costs.