A research team from Oxford University in the UK analyzed the Olympic budget since 1960. According to this analysis, it was estimated that the cost of the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games has ballooned to the highest ever. The results were the highest ever, just as the Oxford University research team estimated. The Japanese side and the IOC had agreed to simplify the Games. However, this agreement has never been kept in past Olympic Games. The current budget of 1.35 trillion yen was double the amount at the time of Rio’s bid in 2013. The 2016 Rio Games were 4.5 times the cost of hosting the Montreal Games in 1976. According to an analysis by Oxford University, it has become clear that cities hosting the Olympics will have to pay three times as much. The IOC has a contract that does not bear any responsibility for any excess costs.
While saying that athletes come first, some people involved in the Games and media use it as an excuse to line their own pockets. When it comes to the progress of the competitions and the organization of the programs, the demands of the media are given priority over the athletes. There is also strong criticism of the management of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Olympics have become more commercialized and larger, placing a greater burden on the host city. Criticism has also been gathering over the state guest hotels and unnecessary travel for IOC officials. It is hoped that a system will be created in which the wasteful expenses of these officials can be used to improve the competitive abilities of the athletes. However, this seems difficult to realize.
Criticizing the IOC alone will not solve the problem. There is a proposal that will be a win-win for the host city, the athletes, and the IOC. The Olympics will have 33 sports and 339 events. The 33 sports are seasonal. The Olympic events will be held throughout the year in accordance with the seasons. The 33 sports will be divided into 12 months, with 2-3 sports held per month. If 2-3 sports are held per month, it will be easier to secure sports facilities and accommodation. Transportation of athletes and officials and securing officials will also be smoother. This will make it possible to run the event without strain. Tourists will also come continuously and without interruption. We would like to create a system that will allow existing sports facilities and accommodation facilities to continue the sports events and tourism business for a long time.
