• Winter Olympics

Lord Coe defends Vancouver Olympics

ESPN staff
February 18, 2010
Lord Coe defends Winter Olympics

London 2012 chairman Lord Coe has launched a defence of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, saying that the enthusiasm of the fans has ensured a successful Games.

Organisers came under fire after 20,000 snowboarding tickets were cancelled due to safety worries, while spectators have been left disgruntled as the view of the Olympic torch is obstructed by steel fencing.

Concerns have also been raised about the safety of the Whistler sliding track where the Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili died last Friday.

Lord Coe continues to cast a favourable eye over the Olympics, however. "Stadiums are full, seats are full of passionate fans, streets are busy and there's a lot going on," he said.

"I've not seen an empty seat in the house, and that's a good sign. I've been in stands were people have cheered competitors from far further afield than their own countries."

John Furlong, the chief event organiser for Vancouver, has criticised British media coverage of the games. "To read caustic and finger-pointing comments, you have to wonder what event they are really watching," he said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices