(ATR) The French president’s persuasive pitch to the IOC membership may influence the decision to award the 2024 Games
"Our desire is to organize the Games in 2024. There is no ambiguity about that. We are ready. It’s the right moment," he told a press conference following his starring role in a 45-minute presentation to the IOC.
"We are ready to discuss with the committee [IOC] on the win win win approach described by President Bach."
Macron swept into Lausanne on Monday for a meeting with IOC chief Thomas Bach and has made his presence in Lausanne felt ever since.
With the LA bid team also underlining its ambition to stage the 2024 Games in its pitch to the IOC, Paris had Macron on its side to drive the message home that Paris is determined to secure those Olympics.
The IOC Extraordinary Session convening this afternoon is expected to ratify a double award of the 2024 and 28 Games in Lima, paving the pathway for one of LA or Paris to drop its first objective. The French capital appears favorite to win 2024.
Macron dominated the news conference, fielding many questions and speaking eloquently in English about his passion to bring the Games to France.
When it was put to him that France had three failed Olympic bids, Macron acknowledged the fact: "We don’t want to lose a fourth one."
He said the Paris 2024 bid had done "a great job" with its candidature.
"I think it was very important for us to have the opportunity to explain to the committee and the president our candidature, its philosophy, its implementation and our strong commitment," he told reporters in the mixed zone of the SwissTech Convention Center, site of the IOC meeting.
"I wanted to be here to show the full commitment of the entire French nation, the full commitment of the French authorities behind this project and to back this project.
"For us it was an important day – and we did our best."
Bid co-chair Tony Estanguet described the presentation as a "very big moment" in a two-year contest, the first time Paris has had the opportunity to detail its concept and vision to the IOC members.
There were "good vibes" in the room. "It was very well received," he said, emphasizing that the bid had worked hard to convey its "passion purpose and engagement… and we will continue to work. This is just a step but a very important step. We are ready to deliver."
Asked by Around the Rings if Paris had done enough influence the IOC to hand the city the 2024 Olympics, he said the bid had done as much as possible. "I think we did good, we did well and convinced them that Paris is the best choice for 2024."
In the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris over the past 18 months, security concerns have grown. But mayor Anne Hidalgo said the issue did not solicit any questions from the IOC "because we set out our principles and showed what we have done in the past.
"Paris has been targeted in 2015. We went through a really horrible time. You need to give people hope. The Games represent hope for a new generation," she added.
The question of President Donald Trump’s no-show for LA in Lausanne came up. Macron said he would be speaking with Trump in the "next few days", although not specifically about the cities’ Olympic missions.
Other speakers for Paris included bid co-leader Bernard Lapasset, IOC member Guy Drut and CEO Etienne Thobois.
Reported by Mark Bissonand Brian Pinelli.
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