Europe meets Munich
For its 30th birthday, the Olympic Park Munich is giving itself a special birthday present: Three decades after the so successful Summer Olympic Games in 1972, the youth of the world is not returning but the youth of Europe is returning to the Olympic Stadium to celebrate another major track-and-field event.
When the sportsmen and women do battle for medals under the world famous roof during the 18th European Championships in Athletics from 06. to 11. August 2002, the Munich public will again be enthused by the special atmosphere. On the occasion of the international athletics meeting "LIVE 2001" in Nuremberg, Wilfrid Spronk, Managing Director of Olympiapark München GmbH, emphasised again: "The European Championships 2002 will be a big festival of events including a fantastic supporting programme everywhere in the park – similar to the cheerful Games of 1972."And that track-and-field as a classical Olympic core sport still enjoys a high reputation with the Munich sports audiences was demonstrated by the two-day Spar European Cup final in 1997 and the IAAF Grand-Prix Final in 1999. Altogether over 83 000 enthusiastic spectators ensured an infectious mood for the thrilling competitions. In August 2002 it will be no different, for the spectators will certainly experience a number of new stadium records. For example, the stadium records in the blue ribbon event, the 100 meter sprint, will be attacked, as the current best mark for the men has been held since 1997 by Linford Christie at 10.04 seconds and the women's 100 meter record has been held since 1972 by Renate Stecher in a time of 11. 07 seconds.
Of course the Olympic Stadium will be given a fresh look when the sportsmen and women enter the stadium through the Marathon Gate during the Opening Ceremony. The roof was completely renovated in 1999 and in the stadium the athletes will find ideal conditions for their sport. Moreover, the athletes can expect, as in 1972, the best training conditions and short routes. And the media representatives from all over the world, for whom the Olympic Hall will serve as the press centre, can rely on the professional support of the Organisation Committee composed of representatives of the German Athletics Association, the City of Munich and Olympiapark München GmbH. In addition, Bavarian hospitality and the many-faceted cultural opportunities offered in the nearby city centre will provide the international audience with an unforgettable framework.
