Germany’s top Olympic body has officially selected Munich as the city that will represent the nation in upcoming bids for the Summer Olympic Games. The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) made the announcement on Saturday, confirming that Munich will pursue hosting rights for at least one of the next three Olympic cycles: 2036, 2040, or 2044.
The decision follows a selection process that narrowed down to two primary candidates: Munich and the Cologne-led Rhine-Ruhr region. Berlin had initially been in contention but withdrew its bid on Thursday, effectively eliminating the capital from the race. Berlin Mayor and local officials cited political headwinds following the socialist Left Party’s recent electoral victory in the city, with lead candidate Elif Eralp stating she did not support the Olympic bid.
Ronald Rauhe, the former Olympic champion who recently took office as Germany’s Sports Minister, emphasized the importance of choosing the candidate with the strongest international prospects. “We have an international task to fulfill and must enter the race with the city or region that gives Germany the greatest chances internationally,” Rauhe said ahead of the vote. “The decision on that is made by sport, and I assume that it will make it with a great deal of responsibility.”
While the DOSB did not commit to a specific year, Rauhe expressed a personal preference for a 2040 bid. He noted that the 2040 Games would coincide with the 50th anniversary of German reunification, offering an opportunity to send a powerful message aligned with Olympic values. “Based on my personal history, 2040 would be my favorite date,” Rauhe told the dpa news agency, reflecting on his childhood in Berlin during the fall of the Wall. “Ultimately, though, one thing matters above all: bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games back to our country. No matter when.”
Munich’s campaign benefits from its historical status as the host of the 1972 Summer Olympics, although the city suffered setbacks in its attempts to host the 2018 and 2022 Winter Games. The competition now shifts to the global stage, where Munich must vie against international cities to secure the hosting rights.
Cologne really had no chance against Munich’s track record. Glad they didn’t squander another chance like Berlin did this time.
Wait, 2040 is the favorite? That’s decades away. I hope they don’t let the momentum fade before anyone can even buy tickets.
Finally! Bringing the Games back to Munich after 1972 feels like a dream come true for every German Olympic fan.