International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry has expressed her admiration for the temporary wooden huts being used to accommodate athletes at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. The games, which began on Saturday, have opted for a non-traditional approach to athlete accommodation, with over 17,000 participants staying in temporary huts, hotels, and a cruise ship. Coventry, a Zimbabwean former Olympic champion swimmer, toured the lodgings and was impressed by their quality.
The temporary huts, which have been criticized by some countries for being too small, were described by Coventry as "beautiful" and "really nice". She noted that the cabins were quiet, cool, and well-air-conditioned, with beautiful flooring and walls. Coventry's positive assessment contrasts with criticism from some countries, which have expressed concerns about the size of the cabins and the length of the beds.
Coventry drew comparisons between the Asian Games accommodation and that used at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics earlier this year. She said that the cabins in Nagoya were similar to those used in Milan-Cortina, and that athletes had been happy with the accommodation there. Coventry emphasized that the look of the accommodation was not a major concern, and that the athlete experience was more important.
The Asian Games, which are being held in Nagoya, have taken a different approach to athlete accommodation. About 2,000 participants are staying in the temporary lodgings by the water in Nagoya. Coventry said that she was impressed by the village and that it was better than some of the villages she had stayed in previously.
Coventry's comments were reported by AFP, and she was asked if she would be happy to see temporary cabins and a cruise ship used as accommodation at the Olympics. While she had not been to the vessel, she pointed to the accommodation at Milan-Cortina and said that the concept was not new. Coventry emphasized that the athlete experience was more important than the look of the accommodation.
The use of temporary accommodation at the Asian Games is a cost-saving measure. Coventry's praise for the accommodation is likely to be seen as a boost to the organizers of the games. The Asian Games continue until the end of the month, with thousands of athletes competing in various events.
Coventry's visit to the Asian Games is part of her role as IOC President. She has been touring the games and meeting with athletes and officials. The IOC will be keeping a close eye on the games, as they consider new approaches to athlete accommodation for future events.
Key points
- IOC President Kirsty Coventry praises temporary wooden huts at Asian Games
- Accommodation has been criticized by some countries for being too small
- Coventry draws comparisons with Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics accommodation
