A few months before the start of the games, the mood at the DOSB is good. However, attention is currently increasingly focused on security aspects.
Frankfurt – 100 days before the start of the Olympic Games in Paris, the German national teams are getting into position. The participation of numerous teams and the venue ensure anticipation. However, mixed with the enthusiasm and the prospect of exciting competitions, there is also increasing tension about the topic of safety.
The DOSB for the Olympics – many German teams taking part in team sports
If Thomas Weikert, President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation, had his way, it could start right away. “I'm incredibly excited. “I’m looking forward to the games, to the city of Paris, to the competitions that will be held in the heart of the city,” said the 62-year-old.
Thanks to successful qualification tournaments, the president of the umbrella organization of German sport can look forward to the participation of numerous selected teams from team sports. With three wins in the qualifying tournament, the German handball players secured their ticket to the games, after their male counterparts had already achieved this the previous month.
The teams from the sports table tennis, hockey, basketball (men and women), volleyball (men) and football (women) are also sure to be there. In total, between 420 and 450 athletes from Germany are expected to travel to Paris.
Security at the Olympic Games – Thousands of security forces on duty
The athletes can also look forward to the magnificent setting of the games, including the opening ceremony on the Seine, as well as competitions in Versailles and on the Place de la Concorde. However, the organization of the games and their celebrations also pose immense tasks for France's security apparatus, which could turn out to be even more complicated as international conflicts escalate.
35,000 police officers will be deployed between July 26th and August 11th to secure the games. There are also another 18,000 soldiers and private security forces. If the implementation of individual program items still proves to be too delicate, there is a plan B for their implementation. For example, for the opening ceremony.
Here, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday (April 15) that the ceremony could be moved to the Palais du Trocadero or even to the Stade de France if there was a threat. Monitoring a stationary celebration would prove to be much easier.
Spectator safety at the Olympics: Organizers expect full arenas
Various security zones will also be set up around the competition venues themselves. This also applies to possible attacks from the air, for example by drones. However, Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera assured that there were currently “no threats of terrorism”.
However, due to the impending high number of spectators, the safety of fans and participants remains the focus. The majority of the approximately eight million tickets have been sold, and another 250,000 additional tickets will go on sale from Wednesday (April 17th). The organizers expect the additional contingent to leave quickly.
Difficult relationship: Macron expects “informational” interference from Russia
Meanwhile, the hosts fear further disruptive fires on an “informational” level. This refers to possible disruptions from Russia, whose athletes are not allowed to take part under the Russian flag. But it is not only the relationship between the IOC and the Kremlin that is extremely tense - the relationship at the state level between the two countries is also massively strained by the war in Ukraine. Macron therefore has “no doubts” about actions and reactions from Russia.
However, other negative headlines surrounding the games were homegrown. The financial public prosecutor's office is investigating the organizers on suspicion of favoritism and embezzlement of public funds when awarding contracts. (
nki/SID
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