Paris awarded 2024 Olympics; Los Angeles to host 2028 Games
On Wednesday, Paris and Los Angeles were named as the host cities for the 2024 and 2028 Olympics respectively. A three-year bidding race concluded without any further drama as the IOC members voted unanimously to rubber-stamp a deal hashed out in July for Paris to be given 2024 Olympics and Los Angeles 2028. IOC President Thomas Bach hailed the joint award as a "win-win-win."
Inside the Lima Convention Centre, the Paris and Los Angeles officials cheered and congratulated each other as they celebrated the preordained outcome. "It's a magical, unique victory," said Tony Estanguet, the jubilant Paris 2024 bid co-leader while French President Emmanuel Macron saluted a "victory for France." Meanwhile, the Los Angeles 2028 leaders were equally ecstatic.
It would be the third time Paris would stage the Olympics, exactly 100 years after they last hosted the extravaganza. On the other hand, it will be the first time that the United States will host the Games since the chaotic 1996 Atlanta Games. Also, the 2028 Games will mark the third time that Los Angeles will be hosting the Olympics.
Paris and Los Angeles emerged as victors from the initial bidding race as a number of cities withdrew their names citing concerns over budget and waning public support. The smooth finish to the race ensures that the risk of the vote being tainted, like the ballot for the 2016 Olympics, has been completely eliminated.
