Italy Considers Rome Bid for 2040 Summer Olympics Post-Milan Cortina
Following the successful conclusion of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, which were praised by IOC President Kirsty Coventry for setting a new, very high standard, Italian organizers are now turning their attention to a potential bid for the 2040 Summer Games. Luciano Buonfiglio, president of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), stated over the weekend that he believes Italy deserves another Summer Olympics, but emphasized the need for a gradual, collaborative approach with the government.
Historical Context and Past Failures
The concept of the Milan Cortina Games emerged after Rome's bid for the 2024 Olympics was rejected a decade ago by then-Mayor Virginia Raggi. This setback followed earlier disappointments, including the cancellation of Rome's 2020 bid by then-Premier Mario Monti due to financial worries and a narrow defeat to Athens in the final voting round for the 2004 Games. Giovanni Malagò, head of the Milan Cortina organizing committee and a former CONI president, noted that these scars serve as reminders of past defeats, shaping Italy's current strategic outlook.
Rome's Advantages and Infrastructure
Malagò, who also serves as an IOC member, highlighted Rome's unique history of failed bids as a potential advantage in Olympic circles. He pointed to the city's existing infrastructure, particularly the Stadio Olimpico, a 70,000-seat stadium with an athletics track, which offers significant sustainability benefits. The surrounding Foro Italico complex could naturally host athletics and swimming events, the two largest sports at the Summer Games, reducing the need for costly new constructions.
Political Support and Organizational Capacity
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri expressed confidence in the city's ability to mount a competitive bid, especially after successfully managing the 2025 Holy Year, which attracted over 33 million visitors to the capital and Vatican. He stated that if a bid is deemed realistic, he is open to collaborating with the IOC, government, and CONI to create a strong proposal, asserting that Rome should not shy away from major challenges. Andrea Abodi, Italy's Minister for Sport and Youth, added that building a winning bid does not necessarily require an immediate public announcement, suggesting a more measured approach.
Future Considerations and Geopolitical Landscape
With the 2028 Games scheduled for Los Angeles and 2032 for Brisbane, Australia, and with India and Qatar vying for 2036, the 2040 Summer Olympics are likely to return to Europe. However, Malagò cautioned that it is premature to discuss specifics, emphasizing the need to understand the geopolitical landscape post-2032. He declined to comment on speculation about a potential run for Rome mayor after his current duties end, stating he would share his ideas after next month's Paralympics.
This renewed interest in an Olympic bid reflects Italy's ambition to build on the success of Milan Cortina and leverage its historical and infrastructural assets to secure a future Summer Games.
