Gangwon 2024 strengthens Korean reputation: IOC chief

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said Thursday that Korea’s successful hosting of the Winter Youth Olympic Games further solidified the country’s status as “an outstanding host” of Olympics.

Bach made the remark at a press conference in Gangneung, some 160 kilometers east of Seoul in Gangwon Province ahead of the closing ceremony of the competition after a two-week run.

Bach called Gangwon 2024 “a brilliant success” that served as a “great demonstration of Olympic legacy” of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games, held in the same eastern province. Bach cited the reuse of many PyeongChang 2018 facilities during the youth competition as an example, while also pointing to the growth of young winter sports athletes in countries with little winter sports tradition with the help of PyeongChang officials.

Bach said the success of the two Winter Olympic Games over the past six years helped Korea establish itself “as the premium Olympic organizer.”

“You cannot compare the organization of Olympic Games with Youth Olympic Games. It’s a very different concept. So both, in their own right, were a resounding success for Korea and for the entire Olympic movement,” Bach said at his press conference at the Main Media Centre. “With regard to future organization of Olympic events, I think if Korea is considering this, these brilliant Games here have not only confirmed but have even strengthened the reputation of Korea as an outstanding host, and not only an efficient host but as a country people full of passion for the sport and full of hospitality.”

The earliest Summer Games that Korea can host will be in 2036, with Seoul having expressed an interest. The Korean capital held the 1988 Summer Olympics.