International reaction to the bombings at the Boston Marathon:
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“My thoughts and those of all the Olympic Movement are with the victims, their friends and their families today. A marathon is a special almost magical event that unites different communities with one shared goal, and I am sure that this incident will serve to bring together all those who took part and all those who support such an event with a common resolve.” — IOC President Jacques Rogge.
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“This ghastly and cowardly attack strikes at the very core of the freest of human activities. Whether as a fun runner or elite competitor, road running exemplifies the honesty of basic human movement, strength and resilience … What makes this incident so vile and its planning so incomprehensible is that marathons the world over are about selfless acts of human generosity.” — IAAF President Lamine Diack.
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“FIFA is deeply saddened by the tragic incident which happened in Boston yesterday and sends its condolences to the families of the victims. Safety and security is one of the most important matters in the preparation of any major event. FIFA has full confidence in the Brazilian authorities and their developed security concept for both the FIFA Confederations Cup and FIFA World Cup which encapsulate any potential risks.” — FIFA statement.
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“Security is always a top priority for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we are working very closely with our government partners to deliver safe games in 2016.” — Organizing committee of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
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“The best way for us to react is to push ahead with the (London) marathon on Sunday, to get people on the streets and to celebrate it as we always do in London — and to send a very clear message that we won’t be cowered by this sort of behavior. I think this is one of those incidents where the best way to show solidarity with Boston is to continue and send a very clear message to those responsible.” — British Sports Minister Hugh Robertson.
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“It is with the deepest disgust that we condemn this malicious attack on a peaceful sporting event. Enjoying sports and cheering on those running the race has turned into grief and bewilderment. … We hope that the cowardly perpetrators will quickly be apprehended and punished with the full rigor of the law.” — German Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.
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“We are deeply saddened by the tragic event that struck the Boston Marathon. We express our deepest condolences to everyone caught up in this senseless act. The entire Japanese sport community joins us in sending their prayers.” — Tsunekazu Takeda, president of Japanese Olympic Committee and head of Tokyo’s 2020 Olympic bid.
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“Situation looks awful, thoughts with everyone. There are some very sick people out there, who would do something like this?” — Women’s marathon world record-holder Paula Radcliffe.
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“This appalling and cowardly attack is not only a violent act against innocent civilians, it is also an attack against the values of sport which can foster mutual understanding and friendship.” — Wilfried Lemke, U.N. special adviser on sport.
