Two out of three Italians watched the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games on Rai. Even more than for the Paris 2024 Summer Games. Italians watched these Games more than the four previous Winter Games combined. The country undoubtedly cheered on its athletes, including speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida, skier Federica Brignone, and biathlete Dorothea Wierer, who ended her illustrious career at this event. Many medals, even more emotion, and one question: will we ever experience that again?
The scar of 2024
Despite the difficulties and doubts, Italy successfully met the challenge of hosting the Winter Olympics. Other multi-sport events are already scheduled: the Mediterranean Games in Taranto this summer (August 21 to September 3) and the 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games in the DolomitesIn recent days, another event has been fueling discussions: the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Italy had been dreaming of hosting them not long ago, as Rome was a candidate for the 2024 edition. However, the election of Virginia Raggi as mayor disrupted those plans, and she withdrew her candidacy in 2016. It would be irresponsible to approve this bid. We have nothing against the Olympic Games and sport, but we don't want them used to justify new concrete projects. We will not mortgage the future of this city. " she declared.
Following the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the idea of a new candidacy has been mentioned by several officials. The mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, hinted that he It would be fantastic to propose Rome to host the 2036 or 2040 Olympic Games. " at Corriere della Sera that holds the top spot. " I think the conditions are right. (…) A capital like ours should not be afraid to take on major challenges. "Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, for his part, stated that he would look favorably upon it." that everyone – government, municipality, region, CONI – come together around a table and concretely assess all aspects ».
A heritage, existing sites and know-how
A bid from Rome would undoubtedly shake up the competition. The Italian capital has the historical and cultural potential to follow in the footsteps of Paris 2024, offering breathtaking venues. It also has the advantage of already being well-equipped. The previous bid was based precisely on a large number of existing facilities. Foremost among them: the Foro Italico, a legacy of the 1960 Rome Olympics, with its 70.000-seat Olympic stadium, which hosted the 2024 European Athletics Championships, a dozen tennis courts used annually for the Masters 1000 tournament, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool, the one used for the 2009 World Swimming Championships and the 2022 European Championships. A solid foundation to build upon.
The pool for the European Championships, in 2022.
A number of temporary venues were proposed to align with the principles of the IOC's Agenda 2020, for example the exhibition center (which could be adapted for sports such as fencing, judo, boxing, or table tennis). The city's historical heritage was also incorporated into the events, with, for example, beach volleyball at the Circus Maximus.
The president of Tuscany, Eugenio Giani, also displayed his ambition: We have the necessary infrastructure, and in any case, we'll have enough time by 2040 to build everything we need. I already discussed this with the president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), Luciano Buonfiglio, during his visit to Florence in recent months. We agreed to talk about it again after the Winter Olympics. The 2040 Games could be the springboard that allows Tuscany to shine internationally. "Veneto could also propose a decentralized Games project centered around Venice. It's better to have options!"
