Graz, Austria, Decides Against Bid For 2026 Winter Games

The Austrian Olympic Committee (OeOC) said that Graz, Austria, will not bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympics because it "did not get the necessary political backing and support," according to Kirsti Knolle of REUTERS. OeOC said, "With a heavy heart, the Autrian Olympic Committee has abandoned the idea of a Graz 2026 Olympic candidature." That leaves Calgary, Canada; Stockholm, Sweden; Erzurum, Turkey; Sapporo, Japan; and an Italian bid involving Cortina d’Ampezzo, Milan and Turin as "interested parties" in hosting the 2026 Games, according to the IOC. While there had been “very constructive talks” with Austria’s federal sports minister and chancellor, the Olympic committee "did not get the necessary support" from the province of Steiermark’s regional government, its general secretary, Peter Mennel, said. Asked whether Friday’s decision could be revised, Mennel said “no” (REUTERS, 7/6).