[MadIvan]

I believe we did not win it based on our present-day abilities to host the Games, but rather our plans were detailed, and also, the French were far too arrogant and complacent about their bid. Chirac was emblematic of this attitude.

Regards, Ivan

[ken5050]

Fox just ahd two Brit reporters on..they said thaty yesterday's final presentaton, with Sebastian Coe, may well have given it to GB..also....two Finnish IOC delegates, after hearing Chirac diss their cuisine, probably voted for GB...

BTW..I just got the 25th anniversary CD of "Chariots of Fire"..one of the best movies ever..

[elhombrelibre]

There were two Finns voting. Considering Chirac's totally gratuitous insult about their cuisine, it is highly likely they voted against Paris. Maybe the French will wake up that there are consequences in having such a jerk representing them. To paraphrase something he once said, this would have been a good time to shut up.

[RayChuang88]

Chirac was emblematic of this attitude.

Of course, President Chirac whining about the English and the Finns probably did in the Paris bid. I can almost put up money at a Ladbrokes betting parlour in London that the Finnish and Estonian votes were crucial in London winning the bid.