The South Korean city is considered the favourites in the race but they are refusing to take anything for granted, especially with rivals Munich having seemingly gained ground in recent weeks in the run-up to the final vote at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Durban on July 6, where Annecy are also among the bidders. 

"It is difficult to say who can or can't win the bid at the moment," Cho said in an interview published in he Korean Herald. 

"It's hard to predict.

"But I believe Pyeongchang is not running behind other bidders.

"The real race is from now until the final vote in July."

Cho's comments were echoed by Ha Do-bong, the secretary general of Pyeongchang's bid, in what appears to be a concerted attempt to play down claims that the Koreans have become arrogant having been the favourites for so long in what is their third attempt to host the Games. 

"I would say we've got a 50-50 chance at winning the bidding race," said Ha.

"We can't afford slips this late in the bidding stage.

"That means we must bear down and focus on bidding within boundaries set by the IOC.

"We shouldn't grow too confident over some assessments that we're in the lead."

Ha promised that Pyeongchang would be working hard right up until the final vote. 

"We're trying to prepare for our best presentation yet in Durban so that we could pick up swing votes," he said.

"IOC members vote based on personal ideals, philosophies and international relations among other factors, and so it's impossible to read their minds."


Pyeongchang's officials are hoping that the presence of Olympic skating champion Kim Yu-Na (pictured) on their team will prove a decisive factor. 

"She is an Olympic champion in figure skating, a signature Winter Games event, and her presence has added an air of mystique," Ha said.

"She is working hard in her role, and she really wants to see the Olympics here.

"We're counting on her to play a major part."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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