In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, Timothy Tsun-ting Fok, an IOC member from Hong Kong, said although security was important, he hoped it would not dampen the public's enthusiasm to take part in sports, since the spirit of sports was encapsulated in participation, he said.

His remarks were echoed by Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., son of former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch and an executive board member of the IOC.

Samaranch Jr. said what happened in Boston was a very bad and terrible situation, but the United States had shown a lot of resiliency and efficiency.

He admitted security at major sporting events was "difficult work", but every effort would be made to improve the safety of participants and spectators.

"I think the security measures have been well done by the countries organizing (large) sports events and we still need to be fully confident in (what they do)."