The moments that shape Olympic history. They are condensed into those few seconds when the IOC President opens the envelope and announces the host city at the IOC Session.
In this article, we have archived rare footage of the “announcement moments” when past Olympic host cities were decided, arranged in chronological order.
We take a comprehensive look back at everything from the distinctive pauses of past IOC Presidents to amusing moments when they struggled to open the envelope, the explosive jubilation of the selected city, and even the behind-the-scenes drama of the fiercely competitive bidding process.
- 2030-2040 The moment the host city was announced
- 2020-2030 The moment the host city was announced
- 2010-2020 The moment the host city was announced
- 2000-2010 The moment the host city was announced
- 1990-2000 The moment the host city was announced
- 1980-1990 The moment the host city was announced
- 1970-1980 The moment the host city was announced
2030-2040 The moment the host city was announced
- 2034Salt Lake City, Utah
Global warming is causing snow to disappear! Driven by a sense of urgency, the IOC secured locations where snow will remain until 2030, buying time to explore future options.
For this reason, the decision was made simultaneously with the 2030 Games in the Alpes françaises.
This marked President Bach’s final announcement.
- 2032Brisbane
The decision was made at the IOC Session held at the before the Tokyo Olympics.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the announcement was made by a small group while maintaining social distancing.
- 2030Alpes françaises
Global warming is causing snow to disappear! Driven by a sense of urgency, the IOC secured locations where snow would remain until 10 years from now, buying time to explore future options.
As a result, the decision was made simultaneously with the 2034 Salt Lake City, Utah Games.
2020-2030 The moment the host city was announced
- 2028Los Angeles
From “We’ll let you host it” to “We’ll host it for you.”
In exchange for ceding the 2024 Games to Paris, Los Angeles shrewdly demanded concessions from the IOC, securing the unprecedented “2024–2028 simultaneous decision.”
- 2026Milan–Cortina
Thanks to the enthusiastic support of the Italian people, the Milan-Cortina bid defeated the Stockholm-Åre bid.
This marked the first time in Olympic history that two cities were selected to co-host the Games.
- 2024Paris
The Olympics involve substantial costs for hosting. Faced with opposition from residents, candidate cities have been withdrawing one after another.
The balance of power between the IOC and the host cities has shifted, leading to the unprecedented decision to split the 2024 and 2028 Games between the remaining contenders, Paris and Los Angeles.
- 2022Beijing
Starting with this episode, the new president, Bach, will be making the announcements.
Beijing has been selected as the host city for 2022, marking the first time in history that a single city will host both the Summer and Winter Olympics. With PyeongChang 2018, Tokyo 2020, and Beijing 2022, three consecutive Games will be held in East Asia, setting a new record.
- 2020Tokyo
It was decided that the Games would be held in Tokyo for the second time in 56 years. Christel Takigawa’s “O-mo-te-na-shi” and parody images of the moment President Rogge made the announcement became a hot topic.
This was President Rogge’s final announcement (he passed away on August 29, 2021).
2010-2020 The moment the host city was announced
- 2018Pyeongchang
After two consecutive losses, Pyeongchang finally secured a victory. It has been decided that South Korea will host the Olympics for the second time.
- 2016Rio de Janeiro
The moment Rio de Janeiro beat out Chicago, the front-runner, to become the first city in South America to host the Olympics. I’m jumping for joy.
- 2014Sochi
President Putin flexed his influence at the IOC General Assembly and secured the Olympics.
- 2012London
London, having won the “European showdown” against Paris, was selected to host the Olympics for the third time.
At the 2:54 mark in the video, President Rogge struggled to open the ballot envelope, prompting laughter from the audience and a wry smile from him.
- 2010Vancouver
Starting with this episode, the new president, Roje, will be making the announcements.
The pause between “city of” and “Vancouver” is the key (lol).
2000-2010 The moment the host city was announced
- 2008Beijing
This was the final presentation by President Samaranch (who passed away on April 21, 2010). Compared to his previous presentations, his declining physical strength was evident.
- 2006
- 2004Athens
This is the moment when the modern Olympic Games have returned to their birthplace, Athens, after more than 100 years.
- 2002
- 2000Sydney
It has been decided that the Summer Olympics will be held in Sydney in winter.
1990-2000 The moment the host city was announced
- 1998Nagano
This marks the first time Japan has hosted the Games in 26 years, since the 1972 Sapporo Olympics.
Key moments include the tremor in the simultaneous interpreter’s voice as they said “Nagano ga…” and the announcer’s excited commentary: “The Winter Olympics seven years from now will be held in Nagano.”
- 1996Atlanta
This IOC Session was held at the Takanawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo.
- 1994Lillehammer
The first Games held under the “alternate cycle” system, in which the Summer and Winter Olympics are held every two years, took place in Lillehammer.
Starting with this edition, President Samaranch delivered his opening address in English. It was a rare occasion, as the speech took place outdoors during the daytime.
- 1992
SummerBarcelonaPresident Samaranch proudly announced in French that the Olympics would be held in his hometown of Barcelona. As he opened the envelope, he didn’t forget to draw a laugh by saying, “Just a moment.”
- 1992
WinterAlbertville(There is no video for this episode.)
1980-1990 The moment the host city was announced
- 1988
SummerSeoul(There is no video for this episode.)
- 1988
WinterCalgaryPresident Samaranch is making the announcement in French (the official language of the IOC). It’s funny to see the IOC member standing behind him peering at President Samaranch’s hands.
- 1984
SummerLos AngelesFollowing the decision regarding the Sarajevo Winter Games, President Kiranin will make an announcement. While Los Angeles is engaged in tough negotiations with the IOC, the IOC has issued an announcement with the unusual stipulation that “in accordance with the Olympic rules.”
- 1984
WinterSarajevoThis was Chairman Kiranin’s final statement. He read the statement aloud to the press and the gathered crowd outside the building.
- 1980
SummerMoscowThe 1980 Games, which had turned into a proxy war of the Cold War, were won by the Soviet Union by a wide margin. However, the next two Games were marked by a series of boycotts.
- 1980
WinterLake Placid(There is no video for this episode.)
1970-1980 The moment the host city was announced
- 1976
SummerMontréal(There is no video for this episode.)
- 1976
Winter - 1972
SummerMunich(There is no video for this episode.)
- 1972
WinterSapporo(There is no video for this episode.)
