If the political crisis between North Korea and the USA worsens, DOSB boss Alfons Hörmann believes that there is no plan B for the winter games in Pyeongchang:”I don’t see any alternative that could be implemented in the time available,”the president of the DOSB explained in an interview with the Stuttgarter Zeitung and the Stuttgarter Nachrichten.
Not even in absolutely established areas or highly professional World Cup locations such as those in Germany, Olympic Games could be organised in four months.
“And I don’t think of the sports facilities, it might still be possible.Unlike the accommodation options.The Olympic Games have a huge dimension,”said the 57-year-old.
Besides,”not only because of the many contractual obligations and impending claims for recourse, Pyeongchang cannot now simply take the games away again – this scenario is excluded from my point of view”.
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The DOSB will “put the safety of its athletes first”in assessing the situation.If a risk scenario arises at any time “where we feel that it is unreasonable or too dangerous and therefore irresponsible, then we all know what we have to do”, said Hörmann.
As of today, the Federal Foreign Office did not give any warning or recommendation that it would not travel to South Korea.
“At the moment, we therefore assume that the Olympic Winter Games will take place in the normal way,”Hörmann explained.But the situation could change hourly,”we are aware of that.In the end, the process of assessing whether or not you can be responsible for a participation may be very difficult.”
Understanding Hörmann expressed his understanding for athletes who are concerned about abandoning the start.
Of course,”no one is forced or contractually obliged to start in Pyeongchang.
People think and feel very differently:”If athletes would decide for themselves not to travel because they don’t feel safe or comfortable enough, then of course I would understand,” said Hörmann.