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Olympics 2012, shock for France in Singapore

Thursday, 07 July 2005

Olympics 2012, shock for France in Singapore

The Olympics will not be coming to Paris in 2012. The nomination of London was a shock to many people in France as Paris was the favourite to carry off the privilege of organising the 2012 Olympics. Two years ago the London bid was ridiculed as an outsider but as the selection date neared so the strength of England's Capital city's presentation and offering became more apparent. The final vote was very close and one can't help wondering whether President Jacques Chirac's comments about English and Finnish food may have backfired on him. There are two Finnish voting members on the international Olympic committee! Did they take offence and vote for London?.

Moscow, New York and Madrid must also be feeling disappointed but losing out at the final count is somehow more painful than coming third, fourth or fifth. Will Paris get the vote in 2016? Somehow I think another European hosting is unlikely so Paris could be unlucky again.

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