Kiel eyes Olympic return with 2036, 2040, or 2044 bid amid risks
Kiel is considering a bid for the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Olympic Games, with Kiel Fjord proposed as the sailing venue. The city last hosted the Olympics 54 years ago, when the Schilksee Olympic Center was built for the 1972 Games. Since then, the site has remained a key hub for sailing, hosting Kiel Week and international regattas.
However, concerns over corruption within the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the financial risks of hosting could shape Germany's final decision.
The Schilksee Olympic Center, constructed for the 1972 Munich Olympics, still serves as a major sailing venue. It now hosts Kiel Week, national championships, and training for clubs and athletes. Yet details on whether the facilities meet modern Olympic standards remain unclear.
If Kiel proceeds, Hamburg, Munich, and North Rhine-Westphalia have agreed to use the city for sailing regattas should they win the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) nomination. Hamburg is also exploring rugby and handball events, while Berlin has proposed Warnemünde as an alternative sailing location.
Supporters argue that the Olympics would upgrade Kiel's infrastructure and bring long-term benefits. Critics, however, warn of cost overruns and cuts to social services. The final decision may hinge on whether the risks outweigh the potential rewards.
The IOC's reputation for lack of transparency and past corruption scandals adds another layer of uncertainty. German officials must weigh these concerns before committing to a bid.
Kiel's potential Olympic bid centres on its historic sailing facilities and the promise of improved infrastructure. Yet financial pressures and ethical concerns within the IOC could delay or derail the plans. A final decision will depend on whether the city and its partners can secure public support and guarantee responsible spending.
