2012 Olympics go to .....

[commonwombat]

Don't be too sure of that !!!!

People DO have memories and the memories of Atlanta and Salt Lake City and the scandals linked with them are not positive at all.

The power of some American corporate sposors should certainly not be underestimated however New York would have to start from scratch with regards to nearly all facilities.

Of the other contenders Paris, Madrid and probably London would at least match for infrastructure and exceed with regards to facilities.

If you think sentiment re a few years ago will do the job, think again. Sentiment didn't swing it for Athens for the centenery (96), Berlin for reunification (2000).

America is not the flavour of the month in intl sporting circles so I'd watch the betting for a while yet.

[JLC]

There would have to be VERY heavy security if the Olympics were in USA.

[Donny]

JLC's point will have to be a BIG consideration and will go against an American Olympics - especially in New York.

Correct me if I'm wrong but haven't the Yanks had 2 of the last 5 Olympics ? And a winter Olympics. How bloody greedy can you get ?

Depending on the facilities, I'd say Paris would be favourites. It would be their third but the last time they hosted was 80 years ago.

London has had the Olympics twice, as well, but by 2012 it will be 64 years since they had the games.

You can bet NYC will be throwing zillions into their bid and who knows what the world situation will be like in 8 years BUT surely it's some other country's turn ?

[commonwombat]

Of the nine contestant cities one can realistically eliminate Rio, Leipzig, Havana, Istanbul and Moscow. All have severe weaknesses on grounds such as media/communications, domestic economies, social concerns like security and crime and infrastructure (transport/facilities).

This leaves 4 serious contenders. New York, considered away from US economic/commercial considerations may be possibly the weakest of the 4.

Many if most facilities will have to be built from scratch. The US phobia on security may indeed throw up all sorts of hassles. New York's existing transport infrastructure is fine but how will the average self-obsessed New Yorker take to having his life disturbed by the Olys. From someone who has had the misfortune of having to work in NY, the answer is not very well.

The legacies from Atlanta and Salt Lake City are sadly predominently negative. The IOC made a vow post Atlanta that they did NOT want another pure private sector Games. The scandals emanating from Salt Lake City's bid nearly brought the organisation down. The current problems with US sporting bodies and intl dope testing authorities are another big land mine for enthusiastic NY proponents.

Paris has possibly the strongest case in view of infrastructure, facilities and recent record of hosting major events. However French diplomacy or lack thereof could be costly, as was the case for the 92 Games where they unexpectedly lost out to Barcelona.

Madrid may indeed be hoping to milk the positive legacy of Barcelona's successful games for all it's worth. It has strong infrastructure/facilities and has also hosted major events. A very dangerous smokie.

London is a mixed bag. Possibly a bit behind the 8 ball with relation to facilities, it has large but rather rundown transport infrastructure. Will be interesting to see how far this bid does go and have some doubts that it will last the distance.