Paris and Los Angeles have been named as hosts of the 2024 and 2028 summer Games respectively by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Paris and Los Angeles had been the only two candidates for the 2024 Games after Hamburg, Rome and Budapest withdrew from the race. But Los Angeles agreed to wait an extra four years after the IOC made guarantees on funding.
The Paris Games, which had fallen short with bids for 2008 and 2012, will mark 100 years since it was last held in the French capital. Los Angeles hosted it in 1932 and 1984.
In Paris, the Eifle Tower will be the backdrop for the triathlon, marathon and open-water swimming. The beach volleyball will take place in nearby Champs de Mars, while the road cycling will finish on the Champs-Elysees, which also hosts the final stage of the Tour de France. The athletics will take place at the Stade de France, which staged football’s 1998 World Cup final and Euro 2016 final, while the gardens of former royal palace Versailles will host the equestrian events – eventing, showjumping and dressage. “It’s a magical, unique victory,” said jubilant Paris 2024 bid co-leader Tony Estanguet.
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which hosted athletics at the 1932 and 1984 Games, will host the athletics events. Organisers plan to use Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy’s StarHub Center for rugby and modern pentathlon events, while making use of Santa Monica beach for volleyball.Two significant elements are yet to be constructed however – baseball ground Dedeaux Field will be converted into an open-air venue for swimming and diving. The new MLS side Los Angeles Football Club are still building the 22,000-seater stadium that will host football matches. “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.
