Munich 2018 chief lauds German success in Vancouver

MUNICH 2018 chief executive Will Bogner believes Germany's success, combined with the popularity of Vancouver 2010 in his country, has boosted the Bavarian city's chances of becoming the first to host the Summer and Winter Games.

HIGH HOPES: Munich 2018 chief executive Willy Bogner believes German success in Vancouver boosted Munich's chance of hosting 2018 Games (Getty Images)

Germany exceeded their target in Vancouver, collected 30 medals, ten of which gold, and finished second in the medals table.

Television viewing figures were also at a record high in Germany, with nearly 11 million tuning in for the women's biathlon events where Magdalena Neuner won double gold.

"Germany's incredible passion for winter sport and the Olympic Games has been reflected both on the podium and back home. However medal successes and high TV figures are only part of our Olympic offer," said Bogner.

"The friendliness of the fans and volunteers seen in Vancouver is also central to Munich's vision for the Olympic Movement.

"We aim to combine the famed friendliness and hospitality of Bavaria with the national passion for winter sport.

"Munich 2018 has been honoured to observe the winter Games at first hand and we would like to congratulate Vanoc and all of Canada for staging on such a wonderful Games. This time in four years in Sochi, I hope to be saying, ‘Munich is next!'"

During Vancouver 2010, the German National Sports Confederation set up the German Fan Fest where up to 100,000 people turned up to enjoy the Winter Olympics in a traditional Bavarian festival.

"It is amazing to see that the German Fan Fest attracted so many people, especially the Canadians. They seem to love the German concept of celebrating sport!" added Bogner.

"The Football World Cup in 2006 proved that Germans know how to celebrate sporting excellence. We aim to stage the world's biggest ever Olympic winter sports celebration in Munich and across Bavaria in 2018."