The countdown is on: Only a few days remain until the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) makes its final decision on which German city will be allowed to enter the race with a bid. The choice is expected to fall on either Cologne or Munich this weekend. Shortly before the decisive day, the Bavarian capital has now announced that it intends to enter the race with Kiel as its sailing venue. In doing so, Munich is relying on a time-tested partnership.
After 1972: Kiel as the Sailing Venue Once Again
Kiel and Munich had already joined forces for the 1972 Summer Olympics , hosting the sailing competitions in Schleswig-Holstein. This time, too, the two cities intend to collaborate should Munich actually host the Games. Kiel is considered the center of German sailing, and the Bavarian Sailing Association is also based there. Holding the coastal events in this Baltic Sea city enjoys strong support from the local population and the German sailing federations.
Given the successful partnership in 1972, Munich’s choice of Kiel as the sailing venue seems obvious. Politicians from both state capitals spoke positively about the renewed collaboration and called it a perfect match. Cologne, on the other hand, has not yet made an announcement regarding its sailing venue for the Games.
A neck-and-neck race
It is not yet clear whether Munich will actually be allowed to bid for the Olympic Games. On Saturday, September 26, the DOSB will make its decision in Baden-Baden. The current contenders are Berlin, Munich, and the Rhine-Ruhr region with Cologne as the main venue. However, the likelihood that Berlin will prevail is rather low, as there is a lack of support from both the public and politicians. In Munich and Cologne, on the other hand, a majority of citizens voted in favor of a bid in referendums.
Munich is currently considered the favorite, as the city already has experience hosting the Games. Following the awarding of the 2031 World Athletics Championships to the city on the Isar, officials are also optimistic about its chances. Furthermore, according to a recent ranking, Munich is considered one of the top 10 sports cities in the world. If we win the bid, the next step will be to convince the International Olympic Committee, which will make an initial shortlist in March 2027 for the awarding of the 2036 Summer Games. After several failed bids, these would be the first Olympic Games in Germany should Munich succeed in winning the bid.
