Getty ImagesThe bid’s downfall could be more complicated, involving an international slap at George W. Bush’s unilateral attitude toward the world. It could be a combination of factors, including IOC political alliances and simple continental rotation.
In any case, New York was shot down almost immediately, and then an hour later London was named the host city for the 2012 Summer Games. This was still no indication, really, of what New York had done right or wrong.
New York’s presentation came off as nothing like that of another disappointed city, Paris. New York was brash and modern. Paris leaned heavily on nostalgic images and romantic music. New York’s production featured faces of all color. Paris presented itself, on film and in the Raffles Center hall, with a sea of white, male faces.
And still, Paris lost, New York lost. The boastful talk of Doctoroff had been little more than that — false bravado, or sheer folly. His 11-year fantasy that began at the 1994 World Cup appeared to end here without an Olympics, without a stadium on the West Side of Manhattan.
There may yet be a resurrection. The natural rotation of hosts would suggest that a U.S. city or perhaps Rio (which failed to advance even this far in 2012) is the most natural successor in 2016. But this is not inevitable, especially if Doctoroff quits. Bob Ctvrtlik, an IOC member and former U.S. Olympian, said it was not necessary for an American city to lose before it wins, and that the organization may be sending a message that it wants another bidder.
|
It doesn’t work that way. The rules are murky, and the ballgame is brand new again.
Duke coach said that after winning his second gold medal in men's basketball would be his Team USA finale. That may not be the case anymore.
Czech Tomas Berdych snapped a run of 11 consecutive defeats by world number one Novak Djokovic to reach the semi-finals of the Rome Masters before Rafa Nadal was stretched to the limit against David Ferrer on Friday.
UFC lightweight Nate Diaz has been suspended for using a gay slur in a tweet about fighter Bryan Caraway.
Slide show |
London 2012 London won the right to host the 2012 Summer Olympic Games and plans to transform 1,500 acres of east London's Lower Lea Valley into the main Olympic site. |
Slide show |
The Week in Sports Pictures The nation grieved for those hurt, killed and affected by the Boston Marathon bombings. After one of the suspects was caught on Friday — following a day-long lockdown and manhunt — sports returned to Boston over the weekend. more photos |
Special feature |
NBCSports.com |
Inside NBCSports.com |