IOC still believe in Beijing
Challenging is probably the kindest way to describe the next 12 months for the (IOC). By this time next year, we will know whether their decision to award the was a masterstroke - or hopelessly misguided.
When Jacques Rogge took on the IOC's top job some six years ago, he was well aware of the controversy surrounding that decision. But over the coming weeks and months, as Rogge's Beijing in-tray bulges, the spotlight on China's capital city will only intensify.
Last week, the vice president of the European Parliament in protest at China's human rights record. Days before that, Rogge himself was warning that sporting events might have to be postponed .
There continues to be concern about the drug-testing (or lack of it) for athletes in China - the head of the , Dick Pound, .
And now, the have told us that even the health of spectators - not to mention athletes - could be at threat because of the levels of air pollution.
This is serious stuff for the IOC: imagine the PR disaster, not to mention the compensation claims, if fans start falling ill during the Olympics.
Nobody seems to doubt that the Chinese authorities will stage an impressive Games. Unlike many of their predecessors, or wrangling over cash - some estimates put their budget at more than 拢20 billion.
But if the games are overshadowed by drug scandals, human rights protests or clouds of smog descending on the city, then all that money will count for nothing.
Rogge, however, remains optimistic. He claims the Games will be a 鈥渇orce for good鈥 in China and that he 鈥渃ould not be happier鈥 about the state of preparations.
Such public statements are typical of a man who has led the IOC with poise and admirable propriety. His sternest test, though, is yet to come.
