The city of Sochi, in Russia, looked to be an outsider in the big bid until quite recently. The IOC Evaluation Commission said the subtropical seaside resort's Olympic proposal demanded careful examination, with not a single sports facility built to this day, hotels far below world standards, and vexing environmental problems. South Korea's Pyeongchang appeared the most likely choice, followed by Austria's Salzburg.
The situation changed ten days before the vote, evening out the bidders' chances. According to analysts from the American organization Around the Rings, Sochi, Salzburg and Pyeongchang presently have 83 points each out of a maximum of 110 because Sochi has scored another 8 points since the latest appraisal, against Pyeongchang's 6, while Salzburg has lost a point.
Sochi has added 2 points in the category of cost of holding the Olympics - 5 vs. the 3 it had previously; in Olympic antecedents, heritage and marketing - 9 vs. the 8 it had in each category; safety and transport - 6 vs. 5 each; and Olympic projects and hosting experience - 7 vs. 6.
The Sochi 2014 bidding committee received a special mention as the most consistent and well-organized of all throughout the bidding campaign, from the steering committee up to the head of state. It would be more precise to say "from the head of state down to the steering committee," as the administrative hierarchy is not a metaphor but a reality in Russia.
President Vladimir Putin is sparing no efforts to promote the Sochi bid. He will even attend and address the IOC session. Indicatively, Tony Blair, then British prime minister, also appeared at an IOC session and made an impassioned address, which came as a decisive argument for London's bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympics.
During his recent visit to Austria, President Putin was rumored to have invited local builders to take part in Olympic construction in Sochi in the event that Salzburg's bid was turned down.
No less impressive are his repeated promises to make Sochi one of the world's best resorts whether it wins the IOC vote or not. The government will ensure that the city flourishes, he says, with a federal program for its development. If Sochi wins the bid, program allocations will total 314 billion rubles (roughly $12 billion), and half that sum will be set aside if it loses.
To tell the truth, Sochi's future as one of the world's best recreation spots arouses skepticism. Few Russians can afford a vacation there even now, while service is far worse than abroad. With all its ambitious plans, Sochi may turn into a replica of Courchevel, destroying its unique environment.
Nevertheless, the project will bring economic benefits, with ample fiscal revenues and many new jobs for the town. More than that, the Sochi endeavor may inspire other scenic Russian spots to develop into top-notch tourist centers - and competition will eventually bring prices down.
The modern world refers to radiant dreams circulated by the mass media as PR. Now, Russian PR is pulling out all the stops to advertise the country's Olympic bid - especially abroad. How else can one explain Sochi's skyrocketing popularity, though the town has not yet built a single highway or mountain funicular line or, again, a sports facility?
Mountain climbers have hoisted Sochi Olympic flags on the world's highest peaks. Maria Sharapova has given master classes at London tennis courts. Russian pop stars played each other in a soccer tournament. All this, and the Sochi bid's efficient management, was really impressive.
"It is the best-managed bid in Olympic history. It has support on all levels. So we are optimistic as we depart for Guatemala. Russia will be represented by very high officials, so I'd like to see who will dare to compete with us," says Dmitry Chernyshenko, head of the bidding committee.
The world takes the Olympics very seriously. The hosts' national prestige is at stake here, so Russia will certainly take it seriously, too. Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref says all facilities will be ready for the athletes by 2013, and there is no reason to doubt him. Even if in the long run Sochi turns into a spa for the rich, athletes will gain too - they will have a fine venue for all-season training. The public will also gain if Sochi wins - Russians will get to witness a spectacular event.
The opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily represent those of RIA Novosti.
