Has the underdog become the favorite? The day after the visit to Almaty of the IOC evaluation commission for the 2022 Winter Games, Kazakhstan is starting to dream. And there are many in the Olympic movement today who give the Almaty case a serious chance of winning against Beijing on July 31 in Kuala Lumpur.
By all accounts, Almaty made a strong impression. The Russian Alexander Zhukov, the head of the IOC evaluation commission, explained this without holding back his praise during the final press conference: "I can tell you that our visit confirmed that the city of Almaty is capable of organize very beautiful Winter Games. It has some very spectacular mountains, some pretty impressive sites and a real passion for winter sports. We were impressed by what we saw. If Almaty wins, the 2022 Games could allow it to reach its true potential. »
In four and a half days of visits and meetings, the small group of 14 members of the evaluation commission was able to take a tour of the competition sites proposed by the Almaty team. For once, they didn't need to use their imagination to get an idea of the decor. Most sites exist. And some of them amazed the IOC delegates. The ski jump, in particular (our photo). Raised in the middle of the city, it seduced Alexander Zhukov, the Russian leader placing it among “the most beautiful sites in the world. " Just that.
It must be said that Kazakhstan showed itself to be a good student in receiving the IOC delegation. The Almaty team had learned the Agenda 2020 resolutions by heart. And found a way to use them intelligently. Example: the alpine ski site. In its application file, the capital of Kazakhstan placed it in Shimbulak. A relevant but expensive choice, which required a construction plan to adapt the premises to the standards of the Olympic Games. During the evaluation commission's visit, the project leaders very proudly announced that alpine skiing would actually take place, in the event of a victory, in the Almatau resort. Results: a saving estimated at 500 million dollars. As a bonus, the assurance of preserving the environment. All without harming the compactness of the project. The IOC appreciated it.
One question remains: human rights. A sensitive subject in Kazakhstan, the country occupying a poor 96th place in the world ranking for respect for human rights (China is in 49th position). The IOC assures that it attaches increasing importance to it. The file was discussed during the visit of the evaluation commission. Behind closed doors, of course. But the authorities have reportedly promised to pay particular attention to it. Alexander Zhukov explained: “We asked the question, but we received assurances that Almaty would comply with the requirements of the Olympic Charter. » Phew, we breathe.
The IOC evaluation commission will continue its tour by visiting Beijing, the other candidate city, from March 24 to 28, 2015. Its report should be made public on June 1, two months before the election. Alexander Zhukov refused on Wednesday to comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the Almaty case. We expected it. One thing is certain: Almaty has won points.
