Summary by Andy Miah

📄 One-Page Media Brief

📍 Main Media Centre
🗓️ February — Games Time News

🎤 Speakers

• Mark Adams — IOC Spokesperson

• Andrea Francis — Chief Games Ops Director

• Luca Casassa - Games Ops Coordiantion Director

• Christoph Dubi — IOC Olympic Games Exec Director

• Pierre Ducrey — IOC Sports Director (18 Feb)

📊 Opening Statements & Key Updates

📺 Audience & Engagement (Adams)

• Saturday was the most-watched Winter Games day since Sochi.

• Viewing figures were double those of Beijing, according to NBC.

• Athlete social media generated 1 billion engagements.

🔥 Cauldron & Live Sites (Andrea)

• Strong public engagement at live sites.

• Cauldron and fan zones described as highly active.

🎭 Opening Ceremony Review (Christoph)

• Designed primarily around athlete experience.

• Feedback from athletes described as “outstanding”.

• Key results:

  • ✅ 90% enjoyed the ceremony

  • ✅ 70%+ rated it most memorable Winter ceremony

  • ✅ 90% inspired to follow the Games

  • ✅ 90% said it felt “very Italian”

• IOC President stated:

  • No more coordination meetings needed

  • Operations now stable

  • No systemic issues

  • Minor problems handled quickly

📰 Key Questions & Answers

🏅 Medal Quality Issues

Q: There are reports of medals breaking. What is being done?
A: (Adams): The IOC is aware of the issue and is investigating the cause.

🎟️ Ticketing & Scheduling

Q: How many tickets have been sold, and was scheduling designed to boost Italian success?
A: (Andrea):

• 127,000 tickets sold in first few days

• Over 1 million sold in total

• Targets have been met

• Scheduling was not designed to promote early Italian medals

🇮🇹 Importance of Early Italian Success

Q: How important is it that Italy wins medals early?
A: (Adams): It is obviously very important for momentum and public enthusiasm.

🏛️ Trump Comments on Athlete

Q: President Trump called Hunter Hess “a real loser.” Response?
A: (Adams): No comment on the President’s words.

🤝 IOC & Political Leaders

Q: Does the IOC need alliances with leaders like Trump?
A: (Adams):

• Building good relationships is important

• Nothing inappropriate or “untoward” about it

🚨 Security After Political Attacks

Q: Do public attacks on athletes require extra security?
A: (Adams): Security matters are not discussed publicly.
A: (Andrea): All incidents are monitored. No additional measures needed. The Village atmosphere is excellent.

⚖️ Politics, Fans & Sport

Q (Lisa Roche, SLC Utah): Should fans view athletes politically or support everyone?
A: (Adams):

• The IOC does not tell fans how to engage

• Core Olympic message is “bringing people together”
  A (Andrea):

• Focus is on providing the best possible athlete experience

🎥 Drone Cameras & Athletes

Q (Sports Illustrated): How is drone impact being minimised?
A: (Andrea):

• Extensive testing with elite athletes

• Preparation trials conducted

• Very positive feedback

• Organisers are satisfied with current setup

⛷️ Lindsay Vonn Crash & Athlete Safety

Q: Was the rescue adequate? Should injured athletes compete?
A: (Ducrey):

• Downhill athletes can test themselves before racing

• Decisions ultimately lie with athletes

• Response was handled well
  A (Andrea):

• Best wishes expressed

• Medical operation successful

🎟️ Ice Venue Ticket Sales

Q: (La Repubblica): How are ticket sales for ice venues?
A: (Andrea):

• Data available from first two days

• All sessions have been full

• Stadia operating at capacity

🏏 Cricket T20 Qualification

Q: (Philip Barker): Where does qualification stand?
A: (Ducrey):

• System validated

• Some steps still to come

• Timeline runs to June

• No cause for concern
  A (Adams): Joked: “We always have time for cricket at the Winter Games.”

📌 Key Takeaway

This briefing highlighted strong public engagement and operational confidence, with emphasis on:

• 📈 Record viewing and digital reach

• 🎭 Highly successful Opening Ceremony

• 🎟️ Strong ticket demand

• 🔒 Stable security environment

• 🎥 Managed use of new broadcast technology

• ⚖️ Continued effort to separate sport from politics

Overall tone: Optimistic, stable, and performance-focused, with leadership signalling confidence in delivery and public reception.