Germany's Olympic bids

DW: Why do Germany want to host an Olympic games?

Alfons Hörmann: Because it's the biggest and most important sporting event in the world, and it's a great chance for Germany to show itself as a worthy and united host.

What would an Olympic games do for Germany?

I think, along with what the IOC have discussed in the 2020 Agenda, it's all in place for us to host. Both Berlin and Hamburg are well constructed cities, and both the environment and those living in the city won't be greatly affected by the event. That's why we believe that a German host complements what the IOC is currently discussing.

Reform is on the IOC's table. How are the DOSB going to convey their own thoughts?

We have worked on a concept with sporting associations from Austria, Switzerland and Sweden and believe that 70-80 percent of that concept is in the recommended reform. It all starts with the question of inviting new applicants. The IOC see the logic in offering countries perspective, reducing the application stage and cost. Furthermore, how are future games going to be hosted? With more flexibility, the outsourcing of different competitions, the preliminary stages of the ball sports for example, and the integration of the region around the applicant city. These are all topics that are present in our concept and that's why it's all the more pleasing that we're moving forward with the same thoughts.

At the moment autocratic countries seem to use the Olympic games to raise their profile. Is this bid also about getting democratic countries to support the Olympic spirit again?

It's not about snatching anything away from anyone. It's about developing the Olympic and Paralympic Games towards a positive future. It's important to show that concepts, aware of people's needs, can be realized and put into place following our ideals. Criticizing the fact that in other countries it isn't going the way we imagined is one part of it. The other is to put forward a solitary and consistent bid. That's what we want to do for 2024.

Germany's last two Summer Olympic bids - Berlin for the 2000 games and Leipzig for 2012 - were unsuccessful. What will be different this time? What ideas and visions have the DOSB got?

The entire application process so far has been very professional. In comparison to the last Winter Olympic bids from Munich in 2018 and 2022 for instance, we've been travelling around early and communicating more openly in the region. The exchanges we've had with citizens has been more intensive, with both pro and contra arguments - which is important in a democratic Germany. There's also a great unity to German sport. It's not about fighting against one another. Even the competitive bid war between Berlin and Hamburg has gone as planned: fairly and transparently, and in the name of good competition. To an extent, it's a bit of a warm up for us on the international level. All of these elements together suggest that we'll have a lot of reasons to be happy by March next year.

Let's assume the best case and Germany get the 2024 Olympics. Would Germany really be competitive with their sportsmen and women? Since the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona the medal haul has consistently gone down.

That's true. Competitive sport needs direction and mid- and long-term goals. And what's better for the next generation than an Olympic and Paralympic Games on their own soil? Even for us, the DOSB, it's also a great motivation to flip the switch and set straight the negative record of recent years. That alone is reason to bid and battle for the chance to host the games.

Alfons Hörmann was elected President of the DOSB on December 7, 2013. The 54-year-old businessman succeeded Thomas Bach, who was made head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).