Bach cited media headlines in the months ahead of the Rio Games about security, water quality, the Zika virus and allegations of state-sponsored doping in Russia. Citing Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election last week, Bach said the Rio Games were a "case study" in the difference "between published opinion and public opinion" and "between perception and reality." Bach said the Rio Games were a great success, citing record global television viewership and social media interest, though he made no mention of the empty seats and organizational glitches that also affected the event. Several cities pulled out of bidding for the 2022 Winter Games over financial and political concerns. Bach also said that high-ranking Olympic official Patrick Hickey, who was arrested during the Rio Games on ticket scalping charges, deserves the "presumption of innocence" pending the resolution of his case.

Source: New Zealand Herald November 15, 2016 09:58 UTC