New Delhi: So much has changed in the world since London took over as the official Olympic hosts at the closing ceremony in Beijing, but unlike some big corporates around the world, the Olympic movement is confident it can survive the carnage.
The head of the Olympic Association in London, Jacques Rogge said, "Well, the Games have survived difficult times before. They have survived and thrived because of what they mean to people all over the world. The Games remind us that the transient difficulties of life can be overcome through hard work and determination."
London also has to work hard to compete with China - from the spectacular opening ceremony to the precise organisation, the Beijing Olympics set the bar very high.
"I am sometimes asked and I am sure Lord Coe is rather tired of the question: 'How will London possibly outshine Beijing?' The answer, which I have repeated many times, is that it doesn't need to. London just has to be London," says Rogge.
But with the city struggling to find private funding the near $14 billion dollar budget is proving to be inadequate too and some venues have been moved to save money.
"It is not the amount of money spent that determines how good a Games is. It is also the unique and inspiring atmosphere created within the city. I am sure London will do very well there," says Rogge.
Meanwhile, the world will be watching if those words translate into reality.
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