THE OLYMPICS BID

by MONITOR
IT is not surprising that support for London's bid to host the 2012 Olympics has been lukewarm; the public's confidence over Britain's ability to host a major event took a serious knock over the Millennium Dome and there have been serious doubts about the government's commitment to the essential improvement of London's transport infrastructure. However, the presentation of the detailed plans by Lord Coe and his team on Friday was extremely well received and a new atmosphere of enthusiasm and belief in London's chances of finishing in front of Paris, Madrid, Moscow and New York for the 2012 Games is already evident. The broad outline of the plans has been known for some time but a careful study of the strengths and weaknesses of the highly successful Athens Games this summer has led to a number of important refinements. The focus on the Lower Lea Valley remains with stadiums, training grounds and the Olympic village concentrated there. At the same time an imaginative use of some of London's internationally known locations means that there will be beach volleyball on Horseguard's Parade, the triathlon in Hyde Park and tennis at Wimbledon where else? Even the Dome is to be pressed into service for the gymnastic events. The enthusiasm and confidence shown by Lord Coe at Friday's presentation was justified. The witty short film Make Britain Proud, using internationally known sporting faces in familiar London settings, set a stylish tone not always a feature of British sporting promotions. But the substance of the bid is in the 600 page blueprint now in the hands of the International Olympic Committee for analysis and decision by July next year.