July 06, 2005
 

London to host 2012 Olympics

A few minutes ago, International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge announced that London would host the 2012 Olympic Games. The other contenders before today's vote ended in Singapore were Paris, Madrid, New York City and Moscow. Reports/comments from BBC, Reuters, Christian Science Monitor and Economist. Web searches for news on Yahoo! and Google. Coverage of the bid by The Telegraph and The Times.

London last hosted the games in 1948. India and Pakistan participated as independent nations for the first time. India won the hockey gold.

Previous posts on the race to host the 2012 games: Twenty20 cricket if games in London?, IOC member votes for sale scam unearthed, Seb Coe's vision for the Olympics in London, London among front-runners and London welcomes IOC officials.

Paul Maidment writes on forbes.com about how London has merely won the right to pick up an expensive bill, confirming my earlier views on the Olympics being a waste of money. I had written that in the context of developing nations but perhaps it is true for everyone! Perhaps it is true that we overvalue sporting achievements.

I only hope the London local administration doesn't try any such "integrate with the EU" efforts now!

Labels: olympics, uk