Pyeongchang Olympics: Costly venues may eventually be razed

an icy ski course that's now an abandoned dirt runway, strewn with rocks and unused gondolas.

Is it icy? or is it dirt? Make up your mind, hyperbolic writer!

FYI, It's dirt. What else would you expect in September?! Summer is also generally the off season for skating and hockey events. There are international events scheduled using Olympic facilities in the coming season.

To be fair, the bidding system and standards have changed drastically since Pyeongchang won their bid in 2009, under the auspices of Jacques Rogge. Korea did overspend by a lot, and is lucky that the next winter games will be so near by - it gives them an opportunity to rent out their facilities for during time-zone acclimation training for athletes from Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Calgary would be a great host for 2026. The did a great job with their 1988 legacy. Stockholm would be fantastic as well.