AFP, Lima :
Paris and Los Angeles celebrated their coronation as host cities for the 2024 and 2028 Olympics here Wednesday, delivering a jolt of good news for the International Olympic Committee as it battles escalating corruption allegations.
In a drama-free conclusion to a three-year bidding race, IOC members voted unanimously to
rubber-stamp a deal hashed out in July for Paris to be given 2024 and Los Angeles 2028. The pre-ordained outcome did not dampen the celebrations inside the Lima Convention Centre as the Paris and Los Angeles delegations cheered and congratulated each other.
IOC President Thomas Bach — a driving force behind the decision to award 2024 and 2028 at the same time — hailed the joint award as a “win-win-win.”
“It’s a magical, unique victory,” said jubilant Paris 2024 bid co-leader Tony Estanguet as French President Emmanuel Macron saluted a “victory for France.”
Los Angeles 2028 leaders were similarly ecstatic.
“This was the right answer, it was about fraternity, it was about friendship, it was about finding a win-win,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti told AFP.
IOC chief Bach meanwhile said the Olympic movement had secured the result “we were looking for.”
