Daily Media Briefing (9th Feb)
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.
