Ten predictions for 2024 | The Press

It’s the return of this annual column where I dive into the highly risky exercise of predictions. Here are ten for the year 2024. I remind you, their only objective is to fuel the discussion. Possible that I’m wrong about everything… except for my last one!

1. Olympic Games under high tension

The issue of security is a major component of the Olympic Games. This will be even more true in Paris next summer. The international situation is unstable and terrorist attacks are possible. The opening ceremony poses a particular challenge. The athletes will take their places in boats and parade on the Seine in front of hundreds of thousands of people. This bold idea will give us magnificent images, but crowd control will be much more complex than in an admission-controlled stadium.

Throughout the Games, security measures will be restrictive for visitors… and Parisians. The issue of transportation also raises concerns. Already, the authorities are suggesting teleworking during this period.

In short, these Games will take place under high tension from start to finish. Will the festive atmosphere be there? We hope so, but nothing is certain.

2. The Super Bowl at the San Francisco 49ers

The last player selected in the 2022 draft, Brock Purdy inherited, as tradition dictates, the nickname “Mister of no importance”. Two years later, he led the offense of one of the best teams in the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers. His story is a fairy tale. The young quarterback will lead his team to conquer the Super Bowl on February 11 in Las Vegas. Close victory against the Baltimore Ravens.

3. Rory McIlroy will win the Masters Tournament

I made the same prediction a year ago, without success. But this time will be the good one! McIlroy gave up his place on the PGA steering committee and will focus more on his game. The Masters Tournament is the only one he has not won. He came close in 2011, but fell in the fourth round, losing a four-shot lead.

4. Olympic Stadium: a possible postponement

The Legault government must decide on the replacement of the roof of the Olympic Stadium in 2024. Last October, the Prime Minister said he wanted the Stadium to become a “positive symbol” for Quebec. “It takes a roof and we are looking at different scenarios,” he added. This is all very good. But will he have the same opinion when he sees that the invoice, according to information from The Press, could approach 1 billion dollars? Not sure, even if the Minister of Tourism Caroline Proulx seems resolutely behind the project.

So much the better if I’m wrong, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the government, worried about the reaction of taxpayers, postponed the decision for several months by ordering, for example, a study from the Caisse de dépôt et placement, as it did for the third link and tramway projects in Quebec.

5. Disappointing Blue Jays

The Blue Jays’ season ended in controversy with a curious call by manager John Schneider in a playoff loss to the Minnesota Twins. The morale of the fans sank.

Earlier this month, their excitement returned: Shohei Ohtani was reportedly on a plane headed to Toronto, where he would sign a contract with the Blue Jays. We know the rest. The most fabulous player of his generation chose the Los Angeles Dodgers instead. In Toronto, the news was like a slap in the face.

The next campaign promises to be difficult for the Blue Jays, who play in a powerful division. And if Vladimir Guerrero Jr. does not return to being the impact hitter he was in 2021 (48 circuits compared to 26 in 2023), the Blue Jays will lack punch on offense.

6. No rebound for Félix

These are words that I don’t like to write. I would like Félix Auger-Aliassime to find his place in the top 10 global. But it will be difficult. He struggles to deliver the final blow to his rivals when he has the opportunity. And the rise of several players younger than him (Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune, Ben Shelton, Jannik Sinner, Arthur Fils) further raises the level of competition.

7. Growing Alouettes

What ??? Have the Alouettes once again become a relevant organization in our sporting landscape? Eh yes ! And it will continue in 2024, I am convinced.

8. Key season for CF Montreal

CF Montreal was excluded from the 2023 playoffs, and head coach Hernán Losada, unpopular with the players, was fired. The organization will one day have to decide: does it want to invest to win a championship or simply diversify, in an honest manner but without excessive ambition, the entertainment offering in Montreal? The answer to this question is not clear.

9. New infusion of petrodollars

Saudi Arabia has pumped hundreds of millions into professional sports over the past three years. This strong trend will intensify. The day is undoubtedly not far away when the Kingdom’s Investment Fund will join forces with North American professional teams. Qatar has already acquired a minority stake in the company that owns the Washington Capitals (NHL) and Wizards (NBA). The movement is underway.

10. No reviews for me

Oh no, I won’t sign columns in The Press in 2024. This indeed marks the end of my wonderful, and so stimulating, 35-year association with this extraordinary company.

The Press gave me a lot during my career and my gratitude is limitless. It plays an essential role in our democracy and I am proud to have contributed my best to its development.

To my former and current colleagues, men and women passionate about their profession, thank you for your support. And thank you, dear readers, for reading my papers.

No, I’m not retiring. I remain active on the radio (98.5) and on television (RDS). And I will happily continue reading The Pressthis great institution to which I will always remain deeply attached.

With that, Happy New Year, everyone!