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FOREWORD BY THO MAS B A CH PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE Above right Short track speed skating will be one of many sporting highlights in PyeongChang W ith the winter sport season already underway, the anticipation and excitement ahead of an Olympic year is building. The lighting of the Olympic flame in the ancient Greek city of Olympia marked the start of the countdown to the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018. From the original birthplace of the Olympic Games, the Olympic flame began its 10,000-kilometre journey to the Republic of Korea. Along its way to PyeongChang, the Olympic Torch Relay is spreading the Olympic spirit to all corners of the country. The Olympic Games are first and foremost about sports and the athletes. This is why this edition of Olympic Review will give readers a preview of what awaits the athletes and spectators in PyeongChang, featuring the exciting sports and highlighting many of the athletes that will be in the spotlight. But the Olympic Games also always carry a greater significance for humankind, because in our troubled times, they are the only event that brings the world together in peaceful competition. Olympic athletes show the whole world that it is possible to compete with each other, while living peacefully together under one roof. The relevance of the Olympic Games to fostering peace and understanding in our fragile world was acknowledged by the Member States of the United Nations (UN), when the UN General Assembly adopted the Olympic Truce resolution ahead of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018. For all these reasons, PyeongChang 2018 will be inspirational, opening up new horizons and sending a message of peace and hope across the globe. This Olympic spirit first came to Korea with the Olympic Games Seoul 1988. Building on this legacy, PyeongChang will connect a new generation to the Olympic values – and it will connect the wonderful culture and hospitality of the Korean people with the world. Thanks to the great work of the PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee, we can say with confidence that everyone can look forward to an amazing experience. When the world comes together in PyeongChang, it will be the moment to let everyone shine. See you in PyeongChang! ■ OLYMPIC REVIEW 7