This is the same everywhere. I was in LA for the lead-up to '84 (though I was just a kid), Sydney 2000, and Vancouver(Whistler) 2010.
The people who were the most outspoken in Whistler against the Olympics became some of the biggest cheerleaders when the event came to town. When you're in the thick of it, it's difficult to not be amazed at how great the Olympics is.
Yes, every host country ends up losing money. Let's not forget, Japan just held the Olympics in '98, and had previously done so in '64, so they know what they are getting themselves into.
The people who were the most outspoken in Whistler against the Olympics became some of the biggest cheerleaders when the event came to town. When you're in the thick of it, it's difficult to not be amazed at how great the Olympics is.
Yes, every host country ends up losing money. Let's not forget, Japan just held the Olympics in '98, and had previously done so in '64, so they know what they are getting themselves into.