“OLYMPIC PIXIE DUST”
As for the likely change in government, both agree it should not have an effect on the Olympics except for different faces occupying the ministerial positions.
Payne, who in nearly two decades at the IOC was credited with overhauling its brand and finances through sponsorship, said apart from the glad-handing at the opening ceremony the Games were out of the politicians’ hands.
“All of the major decisions involving politicians – capital construction, venue location, environmental planning – had already been taken long ago,” said the 66-year-old Irishman.
“Final delivery is left to the organising committee and civil servants, not the politicians”.
Payne says, though, the IOC would want everyone involved to keep their eye on the ball as “national elections do have a habit of distracting people”.
“There is a need for leadership to be focused and able to take quick, fast decisions, as the situation arises”.
Burns, though, believes the Olympics – the greatest sporting global spectacle – will be a pleasant, albeit temporary distraction.
“The Games always bring a 17-day snowstorm of ‘Olympic pixie dust’ to the host city,” said Burns, who after leaving the IOC played a key role in five successful Olympic bid city campaigns.
“It’s quite remarkable and always a pleasant surprise, though it shouldn’t be.
“The host city or country knows the world has stopped by for a visit at a level and intensity that is different even for a global centre of tourism like Paris”.
Burns cites Sydney in 2000 and London in 2012 as examples “of entire nations suddenly stopping their complaining about the Games to become Olympic evangelists for the entire Games period”.
“Even taxi drivers, waiters, and journalists – the three key barometers of public discourse and attitudes towards any and everything – are not immune,” he said.
“So, yes, I believe the Games will remain a significant point of pride for the vast majority of the French nation and her people”.
