|
 |
Samaranch gives Salt Lake Olympics high marks so far — a '6'
By Seth Lewis
Deseret News staff writer
The 2002 Winter Olympics may not be the best Games ever — but they're pretty close.
That's the assessment of Juan Antonio Samaranch, former president of the International Olympic Committee.
"If we were speaking of figure skating, I would give a '6' to Salt Lake" — a perfect score — he told a small gathering of reporters Tuesday.
Samaranch said it was too early to classify Salt Lake's Games as the greatest — a distinction he awarded Sydney in 2000 — but he toasted the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for top-notch venues, well-trained volunteers and on-time transportation.
"I'm enjoying (the Olympics) very much as a spectator," said Samaranch, who retired in July after leading the IOC for 21 years. "I think they are wonderful Games."
Compared against Lillehammer and Nagano, Salt Lake City has "the best facilities," Samaranch said.
He praised Salt Lake's shuttle system. That's a far cry from the erratic transportation of the Games in Atlanta, dubbed the "Glitch Games" by disgruntled journalists.
"The drivers know well Salt Lake and the surroundings," he said. "That was not the case at other Olympic Games."
Salt Lake has been called the "capital of niceness" for its friendly and eager volunteers. Samaranch was equally impressed — for different reasons.
"They're very well-prepared," he said.
At first, Samaranch was "a bit surprised" by heightened post-Sept. 11 security. But like most Games visitors he's become used to passing through magnetometers at every turn.
"We understand very well," he said. "Now I see that even you journalists are very happy (about security)."
When asked about the figure-skating flap, Samaranch defended the IOC's decision to award a second gold medal to Canadians David Pelletier and Jamie Sale.
Judging scandal aside, he said the smoothness of the Salt Lake Games has helped first-year President Jacques Rogge transition into the job — and reform the IOC's image.
"That is a very good beginning for the new president," he said.
E-MAIL: slewis@desnews.com
|
|
February 20, 2002
|
