Paris refuses to declare victory for the olympic Games of 2024

Photo: Sebastien Bozon Agence France-Presse
Even if they are optimistic, the leaders of the Paris bid remain cautious in their official reactions.

After failing three times, an explosion of joy was expected to be among the leaders of the Paris bid to be the result of an agreement between the IOC and the City of Los Angeles for the organization of the summer Games in 2028.

The leaders of the Paris bid, however, have adopted a cautious approach, slowing at the same time the optimism of those who believe that the Games of 2024 will be held in their city.
 

Photo: Francois Guillot Agence France-Presse
Tony Estanguet

“Paris 2024 is proud to work with the IOC and our friends from Los Angeles in order to find a favourable solution to the two cities, the Games and the olympic movement as a whole for 2024 and 2028, said the co-chair of the organizing committee Tony Estanguet. The ads are signs of progress and indicate that a fair solution will be offered to the members of the IOC in Lima in September. “

The sports daily The Team was more enthusiastic on Tuesday, celebrating the victory of the French capital through a one crowned with the title ” The joy is free ! “— a play on words recalling ” The way is clear “.

Even if they are optimistic, the leaders of the Paris bid remain cautious in their official reactions. This attitude respects their position since the unveiling of their application, there are a little over two years now, and is in contrast with an impression of arrogance emanating from their applications doomed to failure from the 1992, 2008 and 2012.

The last time the City had submitted an application, it was considered to be the favorite for the 2012 olympic games, before losing in the nick of time before London at an election held in 2005, as a result of a very bad campaign of lobbying. This time, French leaders have adopted an attitude that is more humble, focusing on the sport, relegating them to the back of the stage the role of political representatives, after being assured that all the political obstacles had been slaughtered.

Silence at Macron

There has been no official reaction from the French president, Emmanuel Macron, a partisan fan of the Paris bid, and other officials have said that they will not prior to the tripartite agreement between Los Angeles, Paris, and the international olympic Committee (IOC) officially announced on 13 September in Lima, Peru.

The office of Macron issued a press release on Tuesday, in which the French president indicates that he has discussed with the IOC president, Thomas Bach, and adds that France ” took note of the decision of Los Angeles to submit its candidacy for the organisation of Games of 2028 and is trying to find a middle ground between the IOC and Paris “.

Unless a reversal of the situation unexpected by the election of the IOC, Paris is to host the olympic Games for the first time in 100 years. In addition to those of 1924, the French capital was also presented those of 1900.