A formality. An unsurprising result. A complete victory. But, in general opinion, a crucial step and a moment in history. The Los Angeles bid team for the 2024 Games crossed the final national obstacle still standing in its way without a moment of anxiety, with a smile on its face. She obtained a favorable vote from the City Council of the Californian metropolis. It was held in the elections room of the Town Hall, early in the morning, Wednesday January 25. Thirteen municipal councilors were called to the polls. They voted as one man. Result: 13 votes for, none against. Masterful.
Let's be clear: any other result would have constituted not only a huge surprise, but above all a setback for the LA 2024 team. A week earlier, the had oc commission of the municipality of Los Angeles had approved without reservation the file to be submitted at the IOC next Friday February 3. To date, the Municipal Council has spoken out 14 times on the candidacy for the 2024 Games. Each time, it has expressed its unrestrained support.
On Wednesday January 25, the LA 2024 team followed its two leaders, Casey Wassermann and Gene Sykes, respectively president and general manager of the bid committee, on the road to City Hall, as its slogan – Follow the sun – suggests. TO DO. En masse, with enthusiasm and with an alert step. In the room were key figures from the committee, including Janet Evans, Angela Ruggiero and Anita DeFrantz. In the delegation, around fifty Olympians and Paralympians, active or retired, from seven different nations. Among the most recognizable faces, those of former athlete Michael Johnson and former speed skater Apolo Ohno, 12 Olympic medals between them.
The result of the vote was expected, of course, as was its unanimity. But Casey Wassermann and Janet Evans made no mistake, both assuring in one voice that this was a “historic step” for the candidacy. The former swimmer indulged in suggesting, “I can confidently say that no other city in this race can serve the athletes like Los Angeles can. »
The green light from Los Angeles elected officials authorizes the mayor, Eric Garcetti (top photo), to sign the contract as host city for the 2024 Games in the event that the IOC chooses the American file, on September 13 in Lima . The person explained after the vote: “This contract contains our promise that Los Angeles is ready to host an extraordinary and fiscally responsible Games. If Los Angeles is selected, our Games, focused on reduced risks, high technology and sustainability, will inspire future generations for the future of the Olympic movement. »
The document signed by the 13 elected officials of the Municipal Council does not only remove the last obstacle. Above all, it offers assurance, written in black and white, that the city undertakes to cover a possible deficit of the Games and/or to finance an additional budget for their preparation.
Last December, the Los Angeles 2024 team revealed its proposed Games budget. It forecasts $5,3 billion in revenue, for $4,8 billion in spending. In short, a profitable Olympic edition, like the one organized in the Californian metropolis in 1984. A projection that the elected officials apparently greatly appreciated.
