In fact, Olympic host nations often can’t afford the billions of dollars it costs to support the games. The dream dies as soon as the crowds and athletes exit the arenas, leaving impractical structures and crippling debt in their wake.
Today the planet is littered with abandoned Olympic venues, shed like snake skins. From stadiums to ski jumps, pools to podiums, these crumbling remnants have been left to the elements – and to the photographers, graffiti artists, and urban explorers who have made them their personal playgrounds.
The lonely Olympic monoliths are now a favourite subject for photojournalists. With all eyes currently on the XXXI Olympiad in Rio, take a tour through these haunting reminders of games gone by.
Ski Jump, Sarajevo, 1984 Winter Olympics Venue
Empty Podium, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue
Bobsled Track, Sarajevo, 1984 Winter Olympics Venue
Baseball Stadium, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue
Ski Jump Tower, Cortina D'ampezzo, Italy, 1956 Winter Olympics Venue
Olympic Village Pool, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue
Baseball Stadium, Atlanta, 1996 Summer Olympics Venue
Main Swimming Pool, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue
Beach Volleyball Venue, Beijing, 2008 Summer Olympics Venue
Baseball Stadium, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue
Athlete Accommodations, Sarajevo, 1984 Winter Olympics Venue
Overgrown Seating, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue
Rowing Facility, Beijing, 2008 Summer Olympics Venue
Canoe And Kayak Facility, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue
Winners' Podium, Sarajevo, 1984 Winter Olympics Venue
Olympic Village Fountain, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue
Empty Flagpoles At Kayaking Facility, Beijing, 2008 Summer Olympics Venue
Field Hockey Facility, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue
Figure Skating Arena, Sarajevo, 1984 Winter Olympics Venue
Beach Volleyball Stadium, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue
Ski Jump, Sarajevo, 1984 Winter Olympics Venue
Canoe and Kayak Slalom Centre, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue
Bobsled Track, Sarajevo, 1984 Winter Olympics Venue
Olympic Village Pool, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue
Figure Skating Arena, Sarajevo, 1984 Winter Olympics Venue