Sam Ramsamy reflects on his Olympic journey since 1972

Speaking to SABC Sport after SASCOC unveiled Durban as South Africa’s preferred host city for the 2036 or 2040 Olympic Games, Ramsamy shared some of the lessons he has learnt from attending the Games across the world. 

The 88-year-old International Olympic Committee (IOC) member has never missed an Olympic Games since 1972 and is now hoping to see Africa host the global sporting showpiece for the first time. 

Born in Durban, Ramsamy is also backing his hometown to successfully secure the hosting rights, believing the city’s vibrant culture makes it a strong candidate.

"The first games was a very devastating games when there was that attack that took place against Israeli athletes so it was very trying back then, but over the years at all the different events we learned something new and we now know what to do and what not to do."

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Having witnessed several Olympic Games over more than five decades, the Durban-born veteran administrator has also seen how the cost of hosting the event has changed over the years. 

Of all the Olympic Games he has attended, Ramsamy singles out the 1984 Los Angeles Games as one of the most memorable. 

He was particularly impressed by the swimming centre and believes it could serve as a model for Durban should the city win the bid to host the Olympics. 

Ramsamy hopes South Africa can draw lessons from previous hosts and use existing facilities to deliver a successful Games.

"The 1984 Olympic Games was something special. They had a 50m swimming pool and 10 000 people witnessed many records being broken.

"We must make sure that when we host, we use all of the money dedicated for construction and development and that the money doesn't go into someone's back pocket."