The IOC "has a new crisis" in finding cities to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, according to Stephen Wilson of the AP. High costs and internal political opposition "prevented several potential contenders not to bid." Two candidate cities withdrew and two others "could still drop out." Norwegian IOC member Gerhard Heiberg said, “I have not seen anything like this before. This is urgent. We need to sit down and discuss what is going on. We are at a crossroads here.” It is "a challenge" the IOC and President Thomas Bach "need to resolve quickly to ensure the long-term viability of the world’s most prized sports event." Changes to the bidding process and efforts to reduce the cost of the games "are among the key issues" being addressed by the IOC as part of Bach’s “Agenda 2020,” his blueprint for the future of the Olympic movement that will be voted on in December. The financial burden "is worrying potential host cities." Specifically, the $51B price tag associated with the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Concerns over Rio de Janeiro’s delayed preparations for the 2016 Olympics "have further dampened enthusiasm for hosting the games" (AP, 5/31).
