Paris, Los Angeles seal deal
Lima, Sept. 14: The International Olympic Committee named Paris and Los Angeles as hosts for the 2024 and 2028 Olympics on Wednesday, crowning two cities at the same time in a historic first for the embattled sports body.
Loud applause rang out at the Lima Convention Centre shortly after IOC members voted unanimously to rubber-stamp a deal hashed out in July for Paris to be given 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.
The vote was a mere formality, ever since the rival candidates had agreed in July to carve up 2024 and 2028 in what was dubbed a “win-win-win” deal for both cities and the IOC.
The vote marked the final act of a campaign that had been stripped of the usual intrigue ever since Paris and Los Angeles agreed to carve up 2024 and 2028 in July following encouragement from the IOC.
Paris 2024 officials hugged and cheered following the vote, basking in victory after three previous failed bids to land the 1992, 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
The 2024 Games will mark the third time Paris has staged the Olympics, coming exactly 100 years after they last hosted the Games.
In Paris, giant Olympic rings were unveiled in front of the Eiffel Tower just after the announcement was made as a small crowd celebrated in driving rain.
Los Angeles 2028 officials expressed delight at the return of the Olympics to US soil.
The 2028 Olympics will be the first held in the United States since the chaotic 1996 Games in Atlanta. It will also mark the third time that Los Angeles has hosted the Olympics following successful editions in 1932 and 1984.
Paris and Los Angeles emerged from the initial bidding race for the 2024 Games after a number of cities withdrew citing waning public support and concerns over budget. — AFP