(ATR) Los Angeles politicians say the IOC would be smart to pick two Olympic hosts at the same time.
There’s been talk, officially squashed by the IOC, that two host cities could be named when the IOC meets in Lima, Peru in September. Adding another host city, for 2028, would be a break with the Olympic Charter and require the approval of the IOC membership.
Along with Los Angeles, Budapest and Paris are competing for 2024.
Leaders of the three bids have dismissed the talk about a twin decision by the IOC. In comments last week, bid officials in LA and Paris said they had not heard any word from the IOC about the possibility of a change in course. And they underscored their total focus on the 2024 race.
But two key politicians in Los Angeles tell Around the Rings that choosing two cities at a time might be good policy for the IOC.
"It might be a responsible thing for the Olympics to do. We’re solely focused on 2024, and I’d hate to see the United States not bid again in the future, because you know three times burned – assuming that the cards are stacked against us," says Mayor Eric Garcetti.
"But as a general concept – and we’re honored to be in the competition with Budapest and Paris – it might encourage more cities to compete. Right now if you’re a mayor, or leaders of the city, you have to raise tens of millions of dollars in a very low chance that you’ll win. It might be smarter to do two or three together at the same time, have more winners, and more time to prepare. I think in concept it’s not a bad idea," says the mayor.
"I hope we can win the 2024 Olympics," he says.
Herb Wesson is the president of the Los Angeles City Council and chairs the council ad hoc committee on the 2024 Olympic bid.
"I think it would be a smart idea to do something like that. I think it would give whoever is awarded the 2028 Olympics more time to prepare.I think it makes it easier for them going forward if they creatively try to identify these countries where they are going to hold future Games," says Wesson.
But he says Los Angeles is the perfect choice for 2024, not 2028.
"I do hope and pray that Los Angeles is the city best positioned, because one of the things I think the Olympics need right now, they need ahey need a financial hit. I think they need a grand slam, and LA is prepared to give them that grand slam," the city council leader tells ATR.
On the support and influence of Donald Trump on the Los Angeles bid, Garcetti tells ATR the president is an enthusiastic backer. But whether the outspoken Trump should go to Lima in September for the IOC vote is to be decided says the mayor.
"I don’t know. He can engage the folks directly whowould want to see him there. That could be very helpful. We also have to be careful we don’t get sucked into the politics of the moment. And we remain steady as to why Los Angeles is an international bid that transcends any political ideology," Garcetti tells ATR.
Garcetti says whether Trump travels to Lima, White House support of the bid is a must.
"I think displaying international support for the bid, whether it be Vladimir Putin, President Xi, or President Trump can only show the national government unity with the bid," says Garcetti.
But the mayor says regardless of how the IOC views Donald Trump, more important are the opinions of the IOC about Los Angeles.
"This has always been a city-driven decision. We welcome the support of the federal government, but this will be based on what we present as a city, and how people feel about our town," says Garcetti.
A gregarious politician, Garcetti says he is looking forward to the international phase of the 2024 race that started Feb. 3.
"I love this part of the bid. Going from member to member to tell what a powerful moment this can be for Los Angeles and the Olympic Movement, to accelerate a new chapter for the Movement.
"I look forward to traveling whenever and wherever I can. I will be all over the world," the Mayor promises Around the Rings.
Written by Ed Hula.
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