Abandoned Olympic sites: Ruins tell tragic stories

Abandoned Olympic sites: Ruins tell tragic stories

The Olympic Games are more than just a major sporting event - they often also leave a trail of abandonment in the form of empty sports facilities and neglected places. The condition of former competition venues has long led to a phenomenon known as “lost places”. Whether in Athens, Sarajevo or Munich: the stories of these abandoned places are as fascinating as they are depressing.

A prime example is the Olympic Stadium in Munich, which was the venue for the 1972 Olympic Games. The S-Bahn station, once a vibrant center during the games, was shut down after the event. Today it is overgrown with trees and graffiti and presents itself as a ghostly relic of days gone by. Looking back, there is something sad about the Olympic venue, just like the fate of other stadiums over the years.

Derelict sports facilities worldwide

Anyone who takes a look at the legacy of the Olympic Games quickly recognizes the trend: many venues are falling into disrepair or being left to nature. In Athens, for example, the Olympic Village, once built for over 10,000 athletes, fell into ruin after the financial crisis. The beach volleyball stadium, which was built for more than 10 million euros, is now overgrown and unused. This makes it clear that the celebrations of the Olympic Games often quickly give way to sadness.

Another example is the bobsleigh track in Sarajevo, which was used as an artillery post during the Bosnian War and is now marked by bullet holes. The Hotel Igman, which was once built for the 1984 Olympic Games, also fell victim to the flames of war and is therefore another example of decay. Photos from the years after the games in Athens, Rio de Janeiro and Atlanta impressively show the sad state of these “lost places” and illustrate how quickly times can change.

The future of the Olympic venues

But the story did not end tragically in all cities. A positive outlook for the Olympic sports venues can be seen in Paris, for example, where preparations for the 2024 Olympic Games are already in full swing. Here the “Stade de France” is used as an Olympic stadium, while beach volleyball is played right next to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Even the planned equestrian competitions take place in the picturesque gardens of the Palace of Versailles.

In Paris, the Olympic Village is being converted into 2,800 apartments to provide a home for families and students. Such concepts can help ensure that Olympic venues are not forgotten, but rather offer sustainable benefits for the city and its residents.

Although the history of many Olympic venues is often marked by decay, there are also examples of conversion and innovative concepts. The challenge will be to master the balancing act between the appreciation of sporting tradition and the needs of today's society.

The stories of these “Lost Places” are part of the cultural heritage that should not be forgotten. If you look back, you can see the Olympic Games not only as a sporting spectacle, but also as a chapter full of contrasts - from the splendor of victory to the shadow of decline.

For more background on the abandoned Olympic sites, take a look at the reports Travel reporter and stern.de.