The recent Paris Olympics in 2024 provided a fascinating lens through which to observe how sports and our relationship with them have evolved over time. Paris first hosted the Olympics in 1924, exactly a century ago, so we have a unique opportunity to compare. Olympic sports have become something entirely different — more spectacular, more widespread, and grander in scale.
However, sometimes this grandeur and pomp have a dark side. It’s no secret that many of these massive stadiums, pools, and other Olympic structures often face abandonment or neglect soon after the games end. AdmiGram.com explores the history of some of the most magnificent Olympics that now live on only in shadows and memories.
Olympic venues after the Games
Munich, 1972 Olympics
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The 1972 Munich Games are remembered as the most tragic in Olympic history, due to the terrorist attack by the Palestinian group “Black September” targeting the Israeli team. At the time, Munich built state-of-the-art stadiums, stations, and other infrastructure for the Olympics. But after the Games, these facilities quickly became unnecessary and unwanted, rapidly turning into wastelands and ruins.
Lake Placid, 1980 Olympics
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One of the most controversial Olympics in terms of venue planning. The Olympic village was intended to be converted into a federal prison for inmates after the Games. The idea was to make practical use of the Olympic facilities so they wouldn’t fall into disrepair or disuse. However, this backfired, with many athletes complaining that they felt like real prisoners, sleeping on bunk beds reminiscent of jail cells.
Yugoslavia, 1984 Olympics
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The 1984 Winter Olympics in Yugoslavia marked a significant change, as the former country itself no longer exists. Almost all the Olympic venues were destroyed during the numerous wars in Sarajevo. The surviving structures have become so overgrown with vegetation that they now resemble wild jungles.
Athens, 2004 Olympics
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Out of the 26 facilities built for the 2004 Athens Olympics, only four are still in use today. The rest are in a deplorable state, as the city cannot afford to maintain them. Athens made a desperate attempt to convert the Olympic village into social housing for the poor and homeless, but the results are disheartening.
Turin, 2006 Olympics
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The 2006 Turin Olympics were Italy’s second time hosting the Games (the first was in Cortina d’Ampezzo in 1956). After the sports events concluded, Italy struggled to find any use for most of its Olympic venues. The Olympic village and most stadiums now stand empty, serving no purpose.
Beijing, 2008 Olympics
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China hosted one of the most impressive and expensive Olympic Games of our century in 2008, spending a staggering $43 billion. However, for reasons unclear, China has not found a use for most of the sports venues. The Olympic village resembles a ghost town, and many buildings and stadiums look like sets for post-apocalyptic movies about the fall of human civilization.
Vancouver, 2010 Olympics
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The preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics hit Canada during a tough time for the global economy. In the midst of the global financial crisis, the Canadian government had to cut spending on healthcare, culture, and education by a record 80% to fund the Olympics and ensure everything was done with English precision and French flair. Most of the Olympic venues, which were planned to be sold as commercial real estate after the Games, had to be dismantled.
Rio de Janeiro, 2016 Olympics
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The 2016 Rio Olympics were likely the most scandalous and controversial of all recent Games. The event was marred by so many scandals, mishaps, and even crimes that it’s no wonder many participants were eager to return home as soon as possible. It’s also well-known that Brazil built many of the Olympic venues with their last financial resources. Immediately after the Games, the Olympic village in Rio de Janeiro turned into a ghost town.
image on top: Matthew Paulson / Flickr
