LA Olympics has to allow politicians on the bus, just not behind the wheel - Coe

Sebastian Coe, the man behind the successful 2012 London Olympics, is advising the organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games to maintain strong relationships with the U.S. government. Coe, now the head of World Athletics, believes that a close working relationship with government officials, including the president, is crucial for the success of the Games.

He emphasizes that the delivery of the Games heavily relies on these political connections, particularly with key ministries such as Treasury, Defense, and Homeland Security.

Coe acknowledges that working shoulder-to-shoulder with government entities, much like he did in London, is essential. He stresses that the best way to mitigate risks during the Games is through robust political relationships at a small "P" level. He cautions that external interference and external meddling are not the responsibility of the Olympic organization but rather a matter of the resilience and robustness of the sporting community.

Coe draws a parallel between his experience at the 2012 London Olympics and the challenges faced during the recent FIFA World Cup. He points out that despite President Trump's frequent interactions with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the organization managed to navigate the situation effectively. He advises that the LA Olympics organizers should strike a balance between maintaining good relationships with the government and not allowing politicians to have a say in the operational aspects of the Games.

Former Olympic chief Thomas Bach's successor, Kirsty Coventry, expressed confidence in the ability of the LA 2028 organizers and the International Olympic Committee to overcome challenges, particularly visa issues. Coventry believes that consistent collaboration and learning will be key to ensuring a successful Games.