Poland Eyes 2040 or 2044 Olympics, Tusk Confirms

Poland is aiming to host the Olympic Games in either 2040 or 2044, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who made the announcement on Friday.

Tusk acknowledged that it’s still uncertain whether this goal is realistic for Poland, but he expressed confidence in his ability to help make it a reality.

“Considering the preliminary decisions and statements from the International Olympic Committee, we’re looking at either 2040 or 2044,” Tusk said during a press conference focused on the modernization of soccer stadiums.

Poland has some experience with hosting major sporting events, having co-hosted the Euro football tournament with Ukraine in 2012 and hosting the European Games last summer. However, the country has never hosted the Olympic Games.

The previous Polish government had expressed interest in bidding for the 2036 Summer Olympics.

The 2028 Summer Games will be held in Los Angeles, with Brisbane, Australia, set to host the 2032 Olympics. Egypt has also announced its intention to bid for the 2036 and 2040 Olympics.

There has been some skepticism about the willingness of potential host nations to take on the Olympics, given concerns about scandals, costs, and the long-term impact. The Tokyo 2020 Games, for example, were held largely without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the recently concluded Games in Paris have been praised for revitalizing the Olympic brand.