Bach: ‘No intention’ by any countries to pull out

U.S. Olympics officials hired experts on infectious diseases to advise the committee on the Zika virus.

The IOC called Oslo’s withdrawal a “missed opportunity” for the city and for Norway. The Chinese capital won the International Olympic Committee vote a year ago to secure the games.

Bach, speaking ahead of the opening ceremony of the Winter Youth Olympics in Lillehammer, said he has “full confidence” in the actions being undertaken by the Brazilian authorities and global health organizations to combat the outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus.

Known for hosting what’s widely known as “the best Winter Olympics ever” in 1994, the Norwegian city of Lillehammer was ready to start hosting another youthful version beginning this weekend.

Helleland said she had invited a number of the IOC’s executive board members to join her cross-country skiing on Saturday morning. They also met with Young Ambassador Kate Anderson and learned more about her role encouraging athletes to participate in the cultural and educational aspects of the Youth Games.

“If my health is in danger, I will think about not going to the Rio games”, she said. These images are being collated to make the largest photo mosaic in Youth Olympic history to be revealed at the closing of the Games.

DeFrantz, who went on to win a bronze medal in rowing at the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games, certainly did not have the Youth Olympic Games to aspire toward.

“It’s tough to be beaten hard”, he said, but “I think it will be a great experience for them because they will grow up as athletes and even as people”.

On the main shopping streets of the picturesque city there were mixed views, with people happy the games were here but also concerned about the cost of hosting the event. “Things are happening and my kids like it”, said Torill Moehrdel. “The panic is starting (to be) a little too much”. The TV audience has been growing since the Vancouver Olympics in 2010 when he was asked to provide commentary on the games. Some Norwegian politicians have suggested that the 2026 Winter Olympics should be hosted in Lillehammer by reusing and upgrading the same venues again.

Budgett said comments such as Solo’s are positive and negative. “I think conceptually it’s a good idea I don’t necessarily think it fits for every sport”, said Eric de Nys, high performance director for Biathlon Canada. Budgett said the situation should be kept “in perspective.” “Everything that can be done is being done, ” he said by telephone from Lillehammer, Norway, a day ahead of the opening of the Winter Youth Olympics.

IOC members Larry Probst and Anita DeFrantz pose for a selfie with the U.S. Youth Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team on February 13, 2016 in Lillehammer, Norway.

Watching the stars of tomorrow, the International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach appeared to enjoy the competition at the Winter Youth Olympic Games.