Wet weather will not dampen the Olympic spirit, says IOC president

Wednesday 18 July 2012

THE IOC president Jacques Rogge is insistent that even the great British weather will not dampen the enjoyment of the London 2012 Olympics.

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Martyn Ziegler

The Games could be one the wettest of any summer Olympics and weather forecasts are predicting at least some downpours, but Rogge said that he was unconcerned about the poor summer weather having an adverse effect.

He said: "I would prefer the Games in brilliant sunshine rather than rain but it is nothing fundamental. There might be some issues for Wimbledon and the tennis as most of the matches are not under the roof. That might need some rescheduling but Wimbledon has great experience in that and it might influence the sprint competitions a little bit if it is cool and humid."Rogge is also still confident that London 2012 will be a success despite the G4S security shambles. The preparations for the Games appeared to be on course until last week when then the Government announced it would be drafting in 3500 soldiers after the firm said it would be unable to provide the necessary number of security staff. Rogge insisted that would not affect the security, nor the image of the Games. He pointed out that Sydney experienced last-minute problems before they hosted the Olympics in 2000 and the Games went on to be regarded as the best ever. "This will be my 21st Olympic Games and there are always issues that come up. Just before the Sydney Games, we had the bankruptcy of the company that was to deliver the buses. Overnight, the organising committee found more than 300 buses to cover the shortfall."I think it is going to be a very good Games and I think the spirit will wipe away all the question marks."Rogge said he was also not concerned that the public image of the Games might be affected by the number of military uniforms on show. "They will be ready to intervene [if needed] and this has been the policy in all Olympic Games since Munich '72 – there has always been security in place but not obtrusive and this will definitely not spoil the fun," he explained.News, Page 3

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Wet weather will not dampen the Olympic spirit, says IOC president

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