London Games Inspire Istanbul 2020 Bid

Ugur Erdener, President of the NOC of Turkey and an IOC member said, "presenting the medals to the two Turkish athletes in front of a packed Olympic stadium was one of the proudest moment of my Olympic career, and now I am determined to experience this again in 2020 with even more Turkish athletes in the Olympic stadium in Istanbul.

"This result is the outcome of Turkey's strong investment in both grassroots and elite sport which is enabling more athletes to compete for medals on the world stage".

He added, "I am convinced that a home Games in 2020 would inspire millions of young Turkish athletes to try and reach the highest level in sport - so we are determined to take the lessons from London 2012 and use an Istanbul Games in 2020 to achieve this goal".

Hasan Arat, Istanbul 2020 bid leader said, "I offer again my heartfelt congratulations to Turkey's medal winners at London 2012, and indeed all of Turkey's athletes who gave their all for their country. From the moment I stepped off the plan in Istanbul today, it was immediately clear that our nation has been inspired by the events in London 2012. There is an even greater passion now to host the greatest show on earth here in Turkey and present the Games at the point where Europe and Asia meet".