Paris is destined to host 2024 Olympics, says city mayor as competition with Los Angeles builds up

Aarhus, Denmark: Paris is destined to host the Olympics, city Mayor Anne Hidalgo insisted Tuesday as she presented the French capital’s project for the 2024 Games to gathered sports federations in Aarhus, Denmark. “It’s the city that brings the best out of everyone,” Hidalgo said in a ten-minute speech. “And for that reason we believe the city is destined for the Olympics,” she said. “The Games are much more than a show and much more than just show-business,” continued Hidalgo, in an apparent dig at rival bidder Los Angeles, who have produced a slick campaign so far. [caption id=“attachment_3369116” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representative photo. Getty Images[/caption] Hidalgo’s administration is involved in several projects to develop transport, leisure and housing in Paris including a massive revamp of leisure facilities along the banks of the river Seine. Paris and Los Angeles delegations met with Olympic chiefs and sports delegations in Aarhus as the IOC explores the option of giving them both an edition. The idea of awarding two Games at once has gained currency after the price tag of hosting the Olympics scared off rival bidders for 2024, leaving the IOC wondering who will step forward for 2028. Both cities are rich enough to take on the financial and logistical responsibilities of staging an Olympic Games. Three-time Olympic canoe champion Tony Estanguet, who is the Paris bid co-president, said: “We are the right city, with the right vision at the right moment.” A decision is scheduled to be made on 13 September at a IOC meeting in Lima.