Winter Games to Remain 16 Days

The Olympic Winter Games will remain spread over 16 days, partly as a safeguard against unpredictable weather, International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch indicated on Monday.

Speaking 12 hours after the close of the Calgary Olympics, which had numerous last-minute schedule changes because of weather problems, Samaranch said more detailed weather reports would be needed in the future in selecting Olympic sites.

“We had to postpone some events but we were very lucky the IOC decided to hold the Winter Games over 16 days,” Samaranch said. “We needed those 16 days.”

He indicated that the IOC did not want to return to the previous Winter Olympic format of 12 days.

Gusting winds and Calgary’s mildest February in 25 years played havoc with the opening week’s events and led to criticism of some game sites.

Samaranch also said tighter standards for Olympic participants are needed to keep athletes such as Eddie (The Eagle) Edwards and the Jamaican bobsled team from endangering themselves.

The Jamaicans suffered a serious accident but escaped unhurt during Sunday’s four-man bobsled competition. Edwards, a relatively inexperienced ski jumper from Great Britain, finished last in his event, but received huge cheers and won celebrity status. Officials considered preventing him from competing in windy conditions.

Such athletes captured the attention of sports fans for their determination and character, but Samaranch said the time to encourage such competitors has ended.

“At one time we encouraged new nations to participate. Now, we must be much more strict to accept participants in the Olympic Games in the larger sports,” Samaranch said.