6 July 2005
The Prime Minister says hosting the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012 will be ‘momentous and tremendous’ for the capital.
Speaking at the G8 summit in Gleneagles immediately after the result was announced, Tony Blair paid tribute to the ‘great team’ effort which had led to the successful bid.
London was announced as the winner of the five-city contest in a dramatic climax to a ceremony in Singapore.
The capital polled just four more votes than Paris.
Moscow were the first to be eliminated from the original shortlist, followed by New York then Madrid.
Mr Blair said:
"We have got a great chance now to develop sport in our country and to have a fantastic Olympic Games and then to leave a legacy for the future.
"We have got a capital city that many people do recognise as the greatest capital city in the world at the moment, and the Olympic Games will help keep it that way."
The Prime Minister revealed he was too nervous to watch the result announced on TV, and went to walk outside as the crucial moment approached. He said he ‘couldn’t bear to watch the actual process’.
"I got the call from the switchboard. It’s not often in this job that you punch the air and do a little jig and embrace the person next to you.
"It’s a fantastic thing and I am absolutely thrilled."
Video of the broadcast will be available later.
Extra information
- Read the Prime Minister’s comments on London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympic Games
- Read the PM’s address to the International Olympic Committee
Related stories
- ‘Confidence, not arrogance’ from 2012 team, says Coe
- PM praises Olympic Bid and signs up for success
- London 2012 bid of ‘very high quality’ says IOC
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