The Games Will Go On.

IOC EXPRESSES SHOCK AND SYMPATHY AFTER US TRAGEDY

Lausanne, 11 September 2001
The horrendous terrorist attacks perpetrated this morning in the United States of America (USA) have left the International Olympic Committee (IOC) with a profound sense of shock and disbelief.

The IOC President, Dr Jacques Rogge, has expressed the deepest sympathy of the entire Olympic Movement to the families of all the victims, and has sent letters of condolence to the President of the United States, the United States Olympic Committee and to the Salt Lake City Organising Committee.

Let's Roll!

U.S. Olympic Committee President Sandra Baldwin announced:

"The American Olympic family is stunned by the immense tragedy that has unfolded today on our soil, and the thoughts and prayers of all of us are with the families and the victims of this senseless attack. Our efforts are now centered on making sure that our athletes, whether they be in training at one of our Olympic Training Centers, or abroad for international events or training, are safe and have our full support and access to all of our resources for their assistance."

Salt Lake Fallout:

Stunned officials said Tuesday that security for the 2002 Winter Olympics will be completely re-evaluated in the wake of terrorist attacks on the U.S. But they vowed the Games will go on as planned five months from now.

A $200 million US plan to protect athletes and spectators is no longer sufficient in the wake of Tuesday's attacks, said Mitt Romney, president of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee. Both Romney and Utah Governor Mike Leavitt said the Games would be held as scheduled Feb. 8-24.

"The Games, for me, are a symbol of the human spirit and world peace," Romney said. "That symbol is needed more today than ever before."

Romney was in Washington D.C., discussing security plans for the Games when the terrorist attacks hit. He and his staff were evacuated to a private residence in Virginia. Romney said until Tuesday's shocking events, he had been satisfied with plans for Olympic security. Now, though, everything has changed. Utah Gov. Leavitt held a news conference in Salt Lake City to say the Games would "go forward as planned" on Feb. 8-24. There may be some military presence to ensure security in Salt Lake. "I don't think we're going to look like Israel, with Uzis in the airport," he said. Officials already have prepared for the possibility of an air attack at the Games. Airspace above Olympic venues will be temporary no-fly zones patrolled by U.S. Secret Service Blackhawk helicopters and jets.

Romney also postponed an announcement on Olympic torchbearers, scheduled for Wednesday in New York's Battery Park, which is two blocks from where the World Trade Center stood before the attacks.

Mayor Rocky Anderson agreed, saying areas such as the public celebration plaza outside City Hall, for example, will need additional security. The area will be fenced and revelers must pass through metal detectors. "I don't think we'll see tanks rolling up and down the streets, but there's no question you will see more security," Anderson said.