It was only in 2000 that the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee hired Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki as president. Since then, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, urged along by the International Olympic Committee, has been lighting fires under Greece’s rear end. If the games’ two major construction question marks are answered affirmatively–whether the roofs of the main Olympic Stadium and the swimming venue will be finished in time for opening ceremonies on Aug. 13 – it’ll be Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, better known among her countrymen as Gianna, who deserves the gold medal for organizing. She spoke via e-mail with NEWSWEEK’s Toula Vlahou to talk about what she’s done, and what’s left to do for what are becoming the costliest games in history. Excerpts:
NEWSWEEK: Are the preparations on track? Will the rail station and the showpiece stadium roof [designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava] be ready, or will there be temporary structures?
Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki: Preparations are on track. There still remains much work to be done, and we remain vigilant, monitoring every project, from the small to the large. Everyone involved is focused on the timelines, and the schedules are being kept. The timelines for the Calatrava projects are very tight, but the government has assured us that they will be completed on time. Athens will be ready when the games begin, on August 13, 2004.
Greece appears to have come from behind by working crews around the clock. Were there times during the preparations that you felt daunted by the sheer volume of work, particularly as the responsibilities grew after the September 11 terrorist attacks?
When I was asked by the prime minister back in 2000 to become the new president of the organizing committee, I knew the task would be daunting. And as we enter the final six months, with preparations on track, and schedules being kept, we must be even more demanding of ourselves; we must work even harder; we must be even more focused–we made a promise and we will keep it. The tragic event of September 11 made it clear to everyone in the world that terrorism is a global concern. For us here at the organizing committee, it strengthened our resolve to ensure that every necessary step is taken to make the games safe and secure. We have the largest security operation and budget ever for an Olympic Games.
Was Greece unlucky to be the first summer hosts after 9/11? Did it present the country with unique challenges that you hadn’t anticipated in 1997?
Security has always been, and will remain, our top priority. And in the Olympic movement, this has been the case since the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich [when Palestinian gunmen killed 11 Israeli athletes.] September 11, and other tragic events that have occurred since then around the world, inform our ongoing assessments of threats, and are incorporated into our planning.
You’ve been quoted as saying that the games will change the face of Greece and the people of Greece. What changes should visitors expect to see?
While most people are familiar with the history of ancient Greece, I see the Games as an opportunity to show the world our more recent accomplishments–to show the world the dynamic, cosmopolitan European nation we have become. When I say the new face of Greece, I am speaking about many things. Our international airport is one of Europe’s most efficient and secure; new highways and interchanges are easing traffic around Athens; the new coastal zone at Faliro and urban park at Helleniko are giving Athens [residents] new opportunities to enjoy their city and the new suburban rail and coastal tram are giving them convenient ways to get there.
Is it possible in this security-conscious environment to have safe games and at the same time provide your worldwide audience with a spectacular show?
Our commitment is reflected in the largest security operation in the history of the Olympic Games. We are investing over 650 million Euro (about $793 million) in security equipment and infrastructure alone. There will be over 41,000 security personnel involved, and we have an unprecedented level of international cooperation. Members of the seven-nation advisory task force from the United States, U.K., Australia, Israel, Spain, Germany and France observe and advise. We are also committed to taking steps so that our games don’t look like a military zone. Our games will be a celebration–and everyone, the athletes, spectators, members of the media, everyone will have a chance to enjoy themselves; the world will get a chance to celebrate the homecoming of the Olympic Games.
The U.S. basketball team has suggested it may choose an alternative to the Olympic Village. Will there be problems if the United States and other teams decide to spread around the city?
Every national Olympic committee works closely with us on all their arrangements for the games. If changes occur, we work together to address them and find a solution that works for everyone. That is the nature of organizing an event this large.
Has Beijing asked for your input for when it hosts the Games in 2008?
Organizers from Beijing have visited us, and we have exchanged information with them on a range of things. We did the same during the Sydney Games–we visited Australia and met with the organizers there to listen and to learn. There is also an IOC program called “Transfer of Knowledge” from which we benefited and to which we will contribute. For this program, planners from every aspect of the preparations, from technology to accommodations, are systematically surveyed for detailed information, based on their experience, with the results made available for planners for subsequent Games.
What has been your greatest disappointment?
The Olympic Games are such an important part of our history and culture, I think everyone was a bit disappointed in the beginning, right after the 1997 bid, when the organizing efforts were delayed, and precious time was lost.
Name two or three things in the preparations that worry you?
Everything is connected. A small problem in one program, if not monitored closely, can cause problems in a host of areas. This is one of the reasons we insist on testing everything beforehand. We will have over 30 sport events in 2004, where we will test the facilities and equipment at each venue, as well as the people, under real competition conditions.
When did you start breathing a bit easier?
I will start breathing easier when the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games has ended. Until then, it is my job to remain vigilant.
