Paris will host the 2024 Olympic Games and Los Angeles will host the 2028 edition: the decision made on Wednesday in Lima by the IOC is not only expected but also significant, as it addresses the concern of the lack of cities interested in hosting the Olympics.
Unanimously and by raised hands, the International Olympic Committee approved a tripartite agreement between the organization and the two cities, which will alternate as hosts after the 2020 edition in Tokyo.
"Historic," "unique," "a win-win for everyone"... these were the terms used to describe the unprecedented decision to award two Games at once, one of them scheduled with eleven years in advance.
The president of the IOC, Thomas Bach, was ecstatic with the outcome. He had been in favor of the tripartite agreement from the beginning, as it benefits all parties involved.
"It will change the course of our future," he said before the vote. "Two great cities from two great countries with a great Olympic tradition," he summarized. "It's hard to imagine a better situation," he said. The double allocation "ensures the stability of world athletes for the next eleven years."
Looking to the future. Paris made a powerful presentation to the congress, as if it were not the only candidate, and touched the hearts of the Olympic movement with a message of solidarity, inclusion, and the importance of giving opportunities to the new generations.
From the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, who appeared via video to ensure the commitment of the entire country, to Paralympic athlete Nantenin Keita, who emphasized the differences, the entire team made an effort to win the vote through affection, a vote they already had secured.
Los Angeles, in its turn, bet on redefining the Olympic Games thanks to the eleven years it will have to prepare. Under the slogan "follow the sun," the Californian city encouraged the Olympic movement to look to the future and rethink the Games based on the values of sport and the union between people from different cultures and backgrounds.
The mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti, stated that "change is necessary," as the American bid knew how to do. They agreed not to compete with Paris for 2024 in exchange for securing the organization of the 2028 Games.
EFE.
