Dallas 2012 chief sees few benefits

01/27/2001

By Cathy Harasta / The Dallas Morning News

The Super Bowl has helped Florida 2012 call attention to the bid group's campaign to bring the Summer Olympics to the Tampa area. The committee has rounded up Olympic athletes with local ties for autograph signings, hosted media receptions and put up signs in prominent places.

But the strategy might not work as well as planned, said Richard Greene, president of Dallas 2012.

"Since the media coverage we've seen and heard about Tampa has been as mixed as it has been, I don't know if they [Florida 2012] are gaining anything," Greene said. "We've taken notice of it. The commentary about Tampa that our group has been listening to hasn't been very favorable."

Eight cities, including Dallas and Tampa, are bidding to become the U.S. Olympic Committee's candidate to host the 2012 Games.

Nick Vehr, president of Cincinnati 2012, said he could understand Florida 2012's decision to use the Super Bowl to the bid committee's advantage.

"It's a great opportunity for Tampa," Vehr said.

Greene said Dallas 2012 no doubt would use a Super Bowl the same way.

The committees submitted their bids to the USOC last month. In March, the documents will be returned for any necessary revisions. The final bids are due on June 1.

The USOC could cut the field to four or five finalists late this year or early next year. The final decision will come in the fall of 2002. The International Olympic Committee will announce the 2012 host in 2005.

All in the family

USA Gymnastics recently announced that Bela Karolyi of New Waverly, Texas, will not continue in his role as women's team coordinator. His wife, Martha, will take over that position, said Courtney Caress, a USA Gymnastics spokeswoman. Many experts consider Martha Karolyi a stronger technical coach than her husband, whose motivational style is his most conspicuous asset.

Briefly ...

Gymnast Marie Fjordholm of Frisco has left the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy in Plano to train in the Houston area. Fjordholm is among the top prospects to make the U.S. Olympic Team for the 2004 Athens Games. ... Indoor soccer and beach soccer could be added to the 2008 Olympic program.

Laura Wilkinson, of The Woodlands, Texas, is a nominee for the prestigious U.S. Olympic Spirit Award. At the Sydney Olympics last September, Wilkinson became the first woman from the United States to win the platform diving gold medal in 36 years. She broke three bones in her right foot before the Olympic Trials. The winners will be announced on Feb. 23. ... Former Dallas-area resident Sean Townsend, who competed in the Sydney Olympics, and Todd Thornton of Houston are among the gymnasts set to participate in the 2001 Winter Cup Challenge in Las Vegas, Feb. 9-10.