USOC names Los Angeles the official U.S. bidder for the 2024 Summer Olympics
http://www.latimes.com/sports/olymp...eles-2024-summer-olympics-20150901-story.html
Los Angeles has been chosen as the U.S. candidate to bid for the 2024 Summer Games, capping a tumultuous month in which the city went from Olympic also-ran to serious contender.
The U.S. Olympic Committee finalized its selection on Tuesday, moments after the Los Angeles City Council authorized Mayor Eric Garcetti to pursue the bid, according to a source close to the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly.
The decision capped an unexpected chain of events in which USOC board members initially selected Boston last January, then watched that city’s campaign succumb to local opposition.
In the search for a replacement, Los Angeles offered more favorable poll numbers and a history of success hosting the Games in 1932 and 1984.
“You can’t overemphasize the importance of experience,” USOC Chief Executive Scott Blackmun said recently in discussing L.A. as an alternate site. “They’ve got strong venues. They’ve got incredibly strong public support.”
Even after last winter’s loss to Boston -- a surprise to many -- Garcetti had remained determined to bring the Olympics back to Southern California.
“I think it is right for this city,” he told The Times’ editorial board in early August. “I think it’s who we are.”
Los Angeles now begins working to overcome a “second-choice” label, hoping to join London as the only city to host three Summer Games.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/olymp...eles-2024-summer-olympics-20150901-story.html
Los Angeles has been chosen as the U.S. candidate to bid for the 2024 Summer Games, capping a tumultuous month in which the city went from Olympic also-ran to serious contender.
The U.S. Olympic Committee finalized its selection on Tuesday, moments after the Los Angeles City Council authorized Mayor Eric Garcetti to pursue the bid, according to a source close to the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly.
The decision capped an unexpected chain of events in which USOC board members initially selected Boston last January, then watched that city’s campaign succumb to local opposition.
In the search for a replacement, Los Angeles offered more favorable poll numbers and a history of success hosting the Games in 1932 and 1984.
“You can’t overemphasize the importance of experience,” USOC Chief Executive Scott Blackmun said recently in discussing L.A. as an alternate site. “They’ve got strong venues. They’ve got incredibly strong public support.”
Even after last winter’s loss to Boston -- a surprise to many -- Garcetti had remained determined to bring the Olympics back to Southern California.
“I think it is right for this city,” he told The Times’ editorial board in early August. “I think it’s who we are.”
Los Angeles now begins working to overcome a “second-choice” label, hoping to join London as the only city to host three Summer Games.
