The world's largest athletic event is the Olympics. OLBG reviewed a Council on Foreign Relations report to ascertain which nations have staged some of the priciest Olympic Games ever.
The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896, and many affluent and developing nations could afford to send representatives to compete. But throughout the years, extravagant host city ideas and increased athlete participation have caused the Games' expenses to soar. It's now reached the point where rich nations can only incur such an expensive event. Years after the Games concluded, several nations are still heavily indebted.
Remarkably, thirty years after the final competitor departed the city, Montréal's taxpayers were still footing the bill from the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Time magazine estimates that the expense of holding the Olympic Games rose by 200,000% between 1896 and 2016. Even said, there were only 251 competitors in 1896 as opposed to almost 11,000 in Tokyo.
The International Olympic Committee awarded Los Angeles the 2028 Summer Games without calling for other bidders in 2017, a telling indication of the Games' waning appeal. No doubt hosting the Olympic Games can propel a city's fame and reputation, but the costs are growing and residents are pushing back more and more. By contrast, eleven cities applied to host the Olympic Games in 2004, ten towns bid to host the 2008 games, and nine cities applied to host the 2012 games.
According to the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, five prospective host cities for the 2022 Winter Olympics withdrew their applications following the results of polls or voter referendums indicating a lack of support.
10 of the most expensive Olympic Games so far
10. 2000 Sydney Summer Games
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The 2000 Sydney Olympics marked the end of the 20th century as the world navigated globalization. Sydney showcased its potential as a dynamic host city, yet the results were mixed. A 2007 study revealed a $2.1 billion decline in household and government consumption between 1997 and 2005 due to hosting the Games.
9. 2010 Vancouver Winter Games
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In 2003, Vancouver residents voted to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. Despite initial weather concerns and the challenge of bringing in truckloads of snow, the Games concluded debt-free—a rarity. The event boosted British Columbia's GDP by $2.3 billion, created 45,000 jobs, and generated $1.1 billion in private contracts. Facilities like the Richmond Speed Skating Oval remain community fixtures, attracting over half a million visitors annually.
8. 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Games
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Awarded the 2016 Olympics in 2009, Rio aimed to highlight Brazil's growth. However, the Games led to the displacement of about 77,000 low-income residents, raising concerns about gentrification. The impact of these displacements continues to spark debate on the true benefits of hosting the Olympics.
7. 2012 London Summer Games
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London's 2012 Olympics bid promised social inclusion and economic development, but many residents felt let down. Promised affordable housing fell short, with less than half of the 40,000 units built. Nonetheless, London's Olympic Park remains a popular destination, attracting over a million visitors annually and generating over 110,000 jobs.
6. 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games
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Pyeongchang's Olympic hosting costs became a major concern, particularly the new high-speed rail to Seoul and the rarely used 35,000-seat Olympic stadium. Despite this, the Games put Pyeongchang on the global map, transforming it from a little-known agricultural area to a recognized destination.
5. 1998 Nagano Winter Games
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Nagano faced budget overruns leading up to the 1998 Winter Games, but the investments paid off. Upgraded ski resorts and infrastructure established Nagano as a premier winter sports destination. The bullet train extension reduced travel time from Tokyo to Nagano to just 80 minutes.
4. 2004 Athens Summer Games
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Athens, the birthplace of the Olympics, hosted the 2004 Olympics Games with a strong cultural emphasis. However, many venues were abandoned post-Games, contributing to Greece's debt crisis. The long-term cultural impact of the Games remains uncertain.
3. 2020 Tokyo Summer Games
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Selected in 2012, Tokyo's 2020 Olympics aimed to showcase Japan's advancements. However, the Games faced numerous challenges, including a global pandemic, scandals, and a delayed schedule. The cost soared to over $15.4 billion, with limited local economic benefits due to COVID-19 restrictions.
2. 2008 Beijing Summer Games
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The 2008 Beijing Olympics highlighted the vast costs of hosting the Games, with expenditures exceeding $40 billion but generating only $3.6 billion. Despite significant investments in infrastructure and environmental efforts, many venues were abandoned by 2018, and human rights commitments fell short.
1. 2014 Sochi Winter Games
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The 2014 Sochi Olympics were the most expensive, with costs nearing $60 billion. Initially budgeted at $12 billion, expenses surged due to extensive infrastructure projects, private contracts, and extravagant displays like the 40,000-mile torch relay.
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