Note: Population figures used
below are for the metropolitan areas referenced from citypopulation.de as of
June 2000.
Legend: City, Country (Pop.
#,###,###, World Rank)
Bangkok, Thailand
(Pop. 7,200,000, 31st) recently successfully
hosted the Asian Games despite near cancellation when construction fell behind
schedule there were financial problems. The Thai Olympic Committee had asked the government to support their
official bid after they voted unanimously to submit a request.
Failed to be selected
as candidate city.
Cairo, Egypt
(Pop. 14,350,000, 9th) Currently, little more is known
about how they intend to pursue their bid. Limited infrastructure could be
a factor.
Failed to be selected
as candidate city.
Havana,
Cuba (Pop. 2,400,000,
137th) Little
is known about this bid. Political issues will be a factor. We will bring you more information as we get it.
Failed to be selected
as candidate city.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
(Pop. 2,200,000, 153rd) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
successfully
hosted the 1998 Commonwealth Games which inspired the Malaysian government to announce
their candidacy for the 2008 Olympic Games. It was originally thought that Kuala Lumpur
would bid for 2016 or 2020 but because they now have infrastructure the bid was hastened.
Perhaps this will be a warm up for one of the later opportunities.
Failed to be selected
as candidate city.
Seville, Spain
(Pop. 1,050,000, 364th) Seville, Spain
was a 2004 candidate but
fell short of Athens' bid. They have several corporate sponsors and are poised to make
another great bid.
Failed to be selected
as candidate city.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
(Did Not Bid) Buenos Aires, Argentina
was also a
2004 candidate and announced shortly after it was defeated that it will run again for
2008. This City is a regular with 5 recent bids behind them.
Pro: Lots of bid experience, can accommodate U.S. prime time live
broadcasts.
Monterrey, Mexico (Did
Not Bid) Monterrey, Mexico was in the very early
stages of organizing their bid.
Pro: Can accommodate U.S. prime time live broadcasts. Con: No
previous bid experience (however, Mexico City hosted in 1968)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Did Not Bid - Will Bid In 2012)
Rio
has received initial funding and is looked forward to having their bid approved
for Brazil's 500th anniversary. They lost to Athens in the bid
for the 2004 Games.
Pro: South America has yet to host the Games, Rio has previous bid
experience. Con: Will have difficulty organizing a bid to compete
against the leaders in this field.
Other cities had hinted that they will bid for
an Olympic Games but did not commit to 2008. This includes Cape Town South Africa
and Lisbon Portugal who bid in 2004, Krasnaya-Polyana
Russia and a joint Israel/Gaza bid. We won't see a U.S. bid, it will be too soon after Atlanta 1996
and Salt Lake City 2002.
