When cities bid to host the Olympics, they embark on a rigorous, high-stakes preparation process similar to that of athletes who compete in the Games. Both face intense physical and mental challenges, and the keys to their success—whether it’s delivering a world-class event or achieving peak performance—lie in a set of shared principles. At some recent One LA procurement events, designed to connect LA based small businesses to the large companies that are tasked with putting on the Olympics, I realized how closely preparing a city for the Olympics mirrors an athlete’s preparation.
1. Safety: Building a Foundation of Trust and Security
Stephanie Wiggins CEO of Los Angeles Metro is one person who understands the conditioning needed going forward. At the LA Chamber Board retreat, Stephanie drew on the lessons learned from the Paris Olympics to talk about how LA is preparing. The Olympics will push the limits of LA Metro’s current capacity. With that in mind, safety is critical when managing millions of riders. LA Metro may need
- Increased security presence at stations and on vehicles to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety.
- Upgraded surveillance systems for monitoring in real time.
- Coordinating with local law enforcement to prepare for emergencies, including evacuation plans and crowd control measures.
Just as an athlete prioritizes personal safety through protective gear, conditioning, and careful training routines, a host city as a whole must prioritize the safety of its infrastructure, residents, and visitors. For athletes, safety measures like stretching, warming up, and cooling down are crucial to avoiding injuries that could end a career in an instant. Similarly, Olympic cities implement a range of security protocols to safeguard millions of spectators, athletes, and dignitaries.
From cybersecurity measures that protect against digital threats to extensive physical security through law enforcement and crowd control, the city must act with precision and care. Host cities implement complex systems involving police forces, emergency services, and advanced technologies like facial recognition and drone surveillance. Each detail, down to the location of barriers and the routes for emergency exits, is as meticulously planned as an athlete’s strategy for a high-stakes game.
For both the Metro, the city and the athlete, the goal is the same: eliminate risks that could lead to disaster. The commitment to safety creates an environment where both the event and the athletes can shine.
2. Health: Prioritizing Well-being for Peak Performance
Athletes focus intensely on their health, following strict diets, rest schedules, and mental health practices to ensure they’re in peak condition. Cities preparing for the Olympics also need to prioritize the health of their population and the visiting public. This involves upgrading healthcare facilities, increasing hospital capacity, and implementing public health measures to manage everything from potential disease outbreaks to emergency care.
Just as an athlete consults with nutritionists, trainers, and mental health professionals, a city brings together experts in public health, urban planning, and environmental science to ensure the well-being of everyone involved. For instance, air and water quality are often closely monitored, and cities take steps to minimize pollution, ensuring the environment remains healthy and inviting for residents and tourists alike.
Both the city and the athlete understand that health isn’t just about preventing problems; it’s about optimizing conditions for success. By prioritizing well-being, they set the stage for an event that celebrates human potential and achievement.
3. Capacity: Expanding Limits to Accommodate the World
Conditioning builds an athlete’s capacity and that’s exactly what Cal State is building when it comes to the Olympics. At a recent procurement event, Claudio Lindow, Interim Vice President and CFO for Administration and Finance at Cal State University L.A., welcomed the audience and shared the university’s commitment to supporting local businesses.
As the Olympics approach, Cal State is uniquely positioned to shine as a hub of talent, innovation, and community engagement. With campuses spread across California, Cal State boasts acres upon acres of space and 58 buildings that could be utilized for Olympic-related activities—from hosting training facilities to staging community events or even providing housing for visitors.
The capacity in terms of sheer size and reach of Cal State provide a unique opportunity to make a significant impact during the Games. With its expansive campuses and focus on innovation and service, Cal State is ready to be a key player in this once-in-a-generation moment.
An athlete’s training regimen is designed to build capacity—whether it’s increasing strength, endurance, or flexibility. The process is gradual and demanding, with each workout pushing the boundaries of what the body can handle. Similarly, cities hosting the Olympics need to expand their capacity to accommodate a sudden influx of millions of people.
For a city, this might mean building new stadiums, hotels, and transportation infrastructure. Public transportation systems may be upgraded or expanded to handle increased demand, and housing facilities for athletes and visitors are constructed to ensure comfortable accommodations. Much like an athlete strengthening muscles and increasing stamina over time, a city undergoing Olympic preparations builds its capacity to serve the population influx.
This increase in capacity is not just for the event but also leaves a legacy, as these improvements often serve the city long after the Games are over. Just as athletes benefit from their training even after a competition ends, the city benefits from the new facilities, improved infrastructure, and boosted economy.
4. Service: Going Beyond to Deliver Excellence
Service is at the heart of the Olympic experience, both for the athlete striving to represent their country and for the host city committed to providing a world-class event. Athletes serve their teams, coaches, and supporters by giving their best performances. Likewise, the host city serves its citizens and visitors by ensuring a smooth, enjoyable experience.
A city’s service commitment during the Olympics includes everything from hospitality to efficient transportation, clean facilities, and accessible amenities. Volunteers play a massive role, offering directions, translating languages, and ensuring everyone feels welcome. This dedication to service parallels an athlete’s commitment to sportsmanship, discipline, and respect. The city works tirelessly behind the scenes, just as athletes push themselves in training sessions most people never see.
This focus on service makes the Olympic experience memorable and inspiring, fostering connections between diverse cultures and leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.
Conclusion: The Parallel Paths of Olympic Cities and Olympic Athletes
In preparing for the Olympics, cities and athletes alike embark on a journey that demands discipline, endurance, and vision. Whether they’re striving for gold or aiming to host a safe and unforgettable event, they share a dedication to safety, health, capacity building, and service. By mirroring the principles that guide an athlete’s preparation, cities can not only deliver a successful Olympic Games but also enrich their communities, leaving a legacy that lasts well beyond the closing ceremony.
The Olympics may be a fleeting moment on the world stage, but the preparation for it transforms both the host city and the athletes, revealing the power of dedication, resilience, and unity.