Swiss Olympic Delegation Head Ralph Stöckli Praises Milano Cortina Games, Eyes Lessons for 2038 Bid
The recently concluded Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina have been hailed as a resounding success by Ralph Stöckli, the head of the Swiss Olympic delegation. Returning home with a record-breaking 23 medals, the Swiss team exceeded expectations, a testament to both athlete performance and the support structures in place. While celebrating the achievements, Stöckli also identified areas for improvement, particularly regarding the overall Olympic experience for athletes and spectators, lessons that Switzerland hopes to apply as it pursues a bid to host the 2038 Winter Games.
Stöckli, a former curler himself, emphasized that the primary goal wasn’t solely focused on medal counts. However, the final tally of 23 medals – surpassing the previous record of 15 achieved in 1988, 2018, and 2022 – was a source of immense pride. “With this number of medals, they were incredibly successful games, and a lot above expectations,” Stöckli stated, according to reporting from SRF. He credited the success to a collaborative effort between athletes and national associations, who worked to create optimal conditions for peak performance. This success underscores the effectiveness of Switzerland’s sports funding and development programs.
Italy’s Decentralized Approach: A Model for Switzerland?
A defining feature of the Milano Cortina Games was Italy’s innovative, decentralized hosting model. For the first time in Olympic history, the Games weren’t concentrated in a single city but were spread across two host cities – Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo – and a total of 15 competition venues. This approach, according to Stöckli, proved successful and offers valuable insights for Switzerland’s own ambitions to host the 2038 Winter Olympics. “Italy has chosen a courageous and sustainable path with this decentralized concept. And Italy has delivered what it promised us,” he said.
Switzerland is currently the only country in “privileged dialogue” with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding the 2038 Games, positioning it as a frontrunner in the bidding process. The IOC aims to select a host city by the end of 2027, according to Swisscom. Stöckli believes that the lessons learned from Italy’s decentralized model will be crucial in shaping Switzerland’s bid. “This decentralized concept works. We will stick to that for the ‘Switzerland 2038’ project,” he affirmed.
Areas for Improvement: Enhancing the Olympic Experience
Despite the overall success, Stöckli highlighted areas where the Milano Cortina Games fell short. He pointed to a diminished sense of community and the lack of a central hub for athletes, traditionally provided by the Olympic Village. “The central thing is the athletes and the togetherness in the Olympic village. There are also the magical moments of the medal presentation in the evening. Both of those things were missing a bit here and that should be improved,” Stöckli explained. The dispersed nature of the venues, while logistically innovative, seemed to dilute the traditional Olympic atmosphere.
Stöckli noted that some venues lacked the vibrant atmosphere and enthusiastic crowds typically associated with the Olympic Games. He believes that creating a more immersive and celebratory experience for spectators is essential for future Games. “In some locations there was not the greatest euphoria and atmosphere. The audience should be able to travel home with a unique experience as a memory,” he stated. He acknowledged the immense logistical challenges of hosting an event of this scale, stating that fulfilling everyone’s expectations is a “Herculean task.”
Switzerland 2038: Building on Italian Innovation
The Swiss bid for the 2038 Winter Games is already taking shape, with a focus on sustainability and a decentralized approach inspired by Milano Cortina. The Swiss model aims to leverage existing infrastructure and spread the economic and social benefits of hosting the Games across multiple regions. This strategy aligns with the IOC’s evolving preferences for more sustainable and cost-effective Olympic events.
The success of the Swiss delegation at the Milano Cortina Games provides a strong foundation for the 2038 bid. The 23 medals – a significant increase from previous Winter Olympics – demonstrate the country’s commitment to winter sports and its ability to produce world-class athletes. Key contributors to the medal haul included athletes like Franjo von Allmen, Loïc Meillard, and Marco Odermatt, who each secured three medals, as noted by Bluewin. However, Stöckli also acknowledged the country’s reliance on strong performances in men’s skiing and individual athletes, suggesting a need for broader success across various disciplines.
The decentralized model, if successfully implemented, could offer several advantages for Switzerland. It would reduce the financial burden on any single city, minimize environmental impact, and showcase the diversity of the country’s landscapes and culture. However, addressing the concerns raised by Stöckli regarding the Olympic experience – fostering a stronger sense of community and creating a more vibrant atmosphere – will be crucial for ensuring the success of the 2038 Games.
As Switzerland moves forward with its bid, the lessons learned from Milano Cortina will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping its plans. The challenge now lies in building on Italy’s innovative approach while addressing its shortcomings, ultimately delivering an Olympic experience that is both sustainable and unforgettable.
The IOC is expected to announce further details regarding the bidding process for the 2038 Winter Games in the coming months. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of Switzerland’s bid and the latest developments in the world of Olympic sports.
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