Witt confident on Olympics

Witt, the chair of the Munich 2018 bid, took a more high profile role only weeks ago after the resignation of Willy Bogner due to illness but it has been far from a smooth glide on the ice for the 1984 and 1988 Olympic champion.

The bid has faced several obstacles in recent months, including a dispute with Bavarian land owners over the release of plots for Olympic use around Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where the Alpine events are planned, and the withdrawal of support from Germany's umbrella nature conservation group.

Bid officials announced days ago talks to settle the land row were on track and Witt said the issue would be settled before the candidates submit their bid books to the International Olympic Committee in January.

"I think we have a great momentum now. Talks are on the right track and a deal is close," Witt said.

"The solution will be there by January for sure. It will be done in time for the bid book (submission)."

Munich, bidding to become the first city to host summer and winter Games, is up against France's Annecy and South Korean winter resort Pyeongchang. The IOC will elect the winning bid during their session in Durban, South Africa, in July next year.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen hosted the 1936 Winter Olympics.

Bid officials were already working on a backup plan to use a NATO-controlled area, including a golf course, for their Olympic villages.

Witt also brushed aside concerns by the German nature conservation ring (DNR), which represents 96 environmental groups, that Munich's plans to host part of the Games in nearby Garmisch-Partenkirchen would damage the environment.

The DNR pulled out of a bid-led study group saying it could not support the "environmentally unsound" plans.

"We are not really concerned by this. The DNR is an umbrella organisation and there are many member organisations that still support us like for example the German Alpine Group (DAV)," said Witt.

She added that as the winter season draws closer, many of these issues would fade into the background as the support of the local population grows.

"It is all about bringing the Games to our home," said the 44-year-old, who since ending her successful skating career has written books, worked as an actor, hosted her own TV shows and worked as a TV commentator.

"The bid is gaining support and it currently has more than 70 percent (in Germany). It will rise further, especially with the winter drawing closer and with snow sports again becoming part of our life," she said.

High domestic support is one of the key factors the IOC takes into account when awarding the Olympics.

Witt, who made an Olympic comeback to compete in 1994, said running a bid could not be more different from taking part as an athlete.

"As a three-time participant at the Olympics my heart obviously beats for Games," Witt, who won her medals competing for former East Germany, said.

"When you are young you dream of wanting to take part and win. You work, you train towards that goal as a young girl.

"Now I have the chance to make that dream for other people come true, to bring the Games to our home and that makes me immensely proud, especially for Bavaria.

"Munich is a home for winter sports. It is predestined for this."