runningrings

This is Paris' problem. A combination of four issues: picking the wrong battles (2008), being screwed over (1992), bad luck (2012) and oddly (for an Olympic eager city) not entering the races it quite possibly could have won (1988, 2000, maybe 2004, 2020) I've got a book on Aust Olympic history and I a member recalls (Luxton I think) that the IOC had been seeking a Paris candidacy for one of the 70s editions (it got Lyon for 68) and that selection Montreal represented more than a Cold War breaker, but also a French consolation prize as Paris never eventuated for 1972 like they had wanted. I remember roughly following the 2012 bid process and being quite surprised by London stepping up, even thinking how difficult it would be in such a complex city.

This happens almost every time the Olympics are held - not something that was unique to 2012. Similarly Australia was quite apathetic toward 2000 until the relay. It doesn't make the blanket rule any more or less valid. It should be open to discussion. I'm not suggesting an all out relay to every Olympic host - but 2016 is particularly important to somewhere like South America, as 2000 was to Oceania where it toured our entire region to forge a sense regional ownership of the 2000 Olympics.

I think would get a little out of hand, to visit 22 previous host cities (and counting) with every edition. It worked in Athens 2004 because of the Greek connection, I think every edition is out of hand. I needs to be culturally/ historically relevant and local. Having said that, I think Paris could get away with it if they host 2024. With the Pierre association, they could visit every host city SINCE 1924

I agree. The inclusion of NZ and other South Pacific nations was a big part of why I think the 2000 was so great. It create a feeling that Oceania was the host continent, as opposed to Australia as host nation. I think 2016 should have tried to include other South America countries - at least by visiting the countries that immediately border Brazil, and perhaps their respective capitals. If money were not an option, I think it would have been nice to have the torch go Athens > South America via Lisbon (obvious reasons) or maybe Mexico City (last Olympics in Latin America, and reiterating 'the Americas' as a whole). Not every country will draw the sheer ire of China, which resulted in the 'host only' decision after the 2008 protests. I agree that Sochi def made the right choice remaining inside borders for the Olympic relay, but I think London 2012 (if budget allowed) would have been warmly welcomed to select countries around the Commonwealth (perhaps Vancouver, Singapore, Sydney, Christchurch, Durban, Delhi, etc. )

Ugh.. that was the whole bloody point.

I was being facetious. Not sure if you're being serious? Ofan was never suggesting that.

Your face is a non democratic country.

I can't imagine them saying No to Paris again either. Someone's gotta get burnt again.

Plus the difference between Rome and Paris is that the latter of those two will make it hard for the IOC to pick the US. I think Boston could easily triumph over Rome. Flip side is that the IOC would have a hellish decision choosing between Paris and Boston. I'd pick Paris, and hope that the U.S. bids again on 2028.

Only you can see your warning point balance.

This will have no bearing on a Paris bid, in my opinion. Madrid's experiences didn't. These kind of demented violence shouldn't be fetishised to extract some sense of meaning - especially in this instance with Charlie - would have no place at the Olympics. Salt Lake City was different - the nation was reeling from something on a catastrophic scale- and it was months later. If the SLC had hosted 2014- then 9/11 reference would have been extremely out of place. London's memorial wasn't specifically 7/7 either. Although it was appropriate in reference because of its connection to the 2005 decision.

You lead a very sad life.

It's a slick video, but unlike everyone else im not a huge fan of the design. I think Rob mentioned it is similar to London, London, even in design, appeared greener and less harsh - this seems to be a huge expansive of paving - very hot . There are trees but in clusters. I agree also with the criticism of the park layout, it turns its back on its best feature - the waterfront. The live site is beyond the flow generation of foot traffic (the actual venues )- meaning they really need to get its pull factor right, otherwise it could be a dead zone. That aside the venues look great- and a refreshing lesson in simplicity. even though I understand and agree with the reason for it, I still don't know how I feel about an Olympic Park without a pool and athletics stadium. Those two features are hearts and souls to other parks.

Hindsight is 20/20. The IOC rewarded a three time bidder over going back to Europe for the second time in a row. You can't deny that it was PC's turn. Still think they were the best choice, and to be honest I theyre a sacrificial lamb. PC is a problem, but it is not the biggest problem. Where were these people during Sochi's excesses?

I have a feeling Tokyo 2020 will be very much along the lines of Athens 2004, very big simple and clean. Won't be your cup of tea!

The CGF has a tough decision, and this a far more compelling competition than Winter 2022,that im looking to seeing unfold next year. Should they go for Edmonton for Canada's fifth Games, they risk losing the attention of Africa, and should they go for a blase Durban over Edmonton, then Canada probably wont bid for another decade or more. I love a new frontier, but Id probably vote Edmonton at this stage. I think if Canada has its own new era CwG it might spark interest in other cities in the same way Melbourne did for Gold Coast

I think Rio's 3D logos are amazing. I'd like to get a hold of one of the little logo models the mascots are holding - I'd imagine they'd be worth quite a bit in a few decades.

I know I sound like a broken record, but I really reject Melbourne being heaped in with the mega projects of Delhi or KL. GC18 is already a bigger infrastructure project than M2006, and its a much smaller city. Melbourne made use of existing venues with upgrades where necessar, many of which would have occurred regardless of 2006, with the notable exception of the MSAC expansion. 2006 might have looked big, but it was the most appropriate way for Melbourne and in no way comparable to 1998 and 2010. In a similar measure, it could be argued that 2018 would have been more sustainably staged in Sydney, utilising 2000 venues--- it would have looked big but would have been practical, like 2006.

"Trying to be more like the Olympics" Aside from Delhi (which did this out of national interest), Melbourne and Manchester weren't doing that. Melbourne was on a big scale but using facilities that were most suitable for the city.

I'm not sure you know what you are talking about. Syd, Millie and Ozzie (and Lizzie) had a charming synchronicity to them, and I remember them having a great profile during the Games. Fatso was an upstart, but the official mascots beautifully blended in with the style of the Games. As for the Rio mascots, I think they're great. Glad there are fewer of them. I hated Beijing, which felt like it had 80. I think having one for each of the two games is the best way to do it.

Given the price gouge it is to fly Qantas to South America im not supposed the trio passed the opportunity. I heard they instead asked Lizzie, but she's struggling to make ends meet until NDIS kicks in....

https://news.vice.com/article/this-may-be-the-most-dangerous-and-most-costly-photo-in-japan?utm_source=vicenewsfb

Call me traditional but I feel like Athletics is the heart of an Olympic Park - it's absence makes Rio's plan lack that *soul*. It might seem unsustainable, but im a sucker for aquatics and athletics being in the same precinct. Call me traditional but I feel like Athletics is the heart of an Olympic Park - it's absence makes Rio's plan lack that *soul*. It might seem unsustainable, but im a sucker for aquatics and athletics being in the same precinct.

To what extent would Olympic Park play a role in its new configuration?