Paris, LA poised to celebrate

“The 11-year time frame before we host the Games gives us an opportunity to do some great,” Michael Johnson, part of the Los Angeles delegation said

Lima, Sept. 13: The International Olympic Committee will confirm Paris and Los Angeles as hosts for the 2024 and 2028 Olympics here on Wednesday, crowning two cities at the same time in a historic first for the embattled sports body.

After a week that has seen the IOC forced onto the defensive over mounting corruption allegations, the Olympic movement will bask in a welcome jolt of good news as the two cities celebrate their respective awards.

Both will go through the formalities of outlining their bids in 25-minute presentations to the IOC membership starting at Lima Convention Centre.

The IOC will later vote to ratify the deal, bringing to an end a mostly amicable campaign that has been stripped of the usual drama and intrigue ever since Paris and Los Angeles agreed to split 2024 and 2028 in July.

“It’s a big win and we are here to really enjoy it,” said 2024 bid co-chief Tony Estanguet, reflecting the triumphant mood among French delegation.

LA officials meanwhile insist they are more than satisfied with the outcome, rejecting suggestions that their failure to win the 2024 Games represented a defeat.

The California metropolis will receive roughly $100 million more than Paris 2024 in IOC funding for 2028, and will also benefit from a $180 million interest-free advance which means the city can begin to create a sporting legacy.