The list of candidates for the Olympic Winter Games 2026 is shorter by one candidate. In a vote, the vast majority of the population of the Canadian capital Calgary decided on Tuesday against an application. This leaves only one duo in the race for the matches for now.
According to official figures, only 132,832 people (43.6 percent) voted for an application, while 171,750 (56.4) voted against. Slightly less than half of all eligible voters participated in the referendum. Although the result of the vote is not binding, it is assumed that the 15-member city council will follow the result next Monday. Calgary had already hosted the games in 1988.
After a departure from Calgary Milan / Cortina d’Ampezzo and Stockholm would remain as candidates. In Sweden’s capital, however, there is also political resistance, in Italy financing of possible games is unclear. Before Calgary, the Austrian candidate Graz / Schladming, the Swiss Sion and the Japanese city of Sapporo had already withdrawn their applications for the 2026 Winter Games.
IOC regrets further rejection
Although the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reacted with regret to the negative referendum in Calgary, it was not surprised by the outcome. „It is disappointing that the arguments regarding the sporting, social and long-term benefits of hosting the Olympic Games do not vote have influenced, „said the IOC on Wednesday in an opinion.
Panorama of Calgary with Saddledome Stadium
But after the political discussions and the uncertainties in the past few days, it had been „no surprise“ anymore. Canada last hosted 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and the Whistler region. Where the matches will take place in 2026 will be decided at the plenary assembly on 24th June 2019 at the IOC Headquarters in Lausanne in Switzerland.
Checked off the Olympic theme
The supporters of the games in Calgary were also disappointed with the vote. „We knew it was very controversial, but it’s time to put it off now,“ said Mary Moran, who, like her opponents, came off with a tighter result, „we would have had a chance to get our city back on the world stage. „For the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) a“ unique opportunity „was missed.
In the no-camp, which above all had criticized the high costs of the Olympic Games, on the other hand, as expected, a mood of joy prevailed. „People are tired of the establishment telling them what to think and do, and that spending millions or billions would be good for them,“ local politician Sean Chu said, pointing to the trend of the recent past Sochi 2014 50.8 billion US dollars (about 45 billion) were spent. The next Winter Games will take place in 2022 in the Chinese capital Beijing.
