LondonTown.com | London 2012 - London to host 2012 Olympics

City of Gold

London triumphs in bidding for the 2012 Olympics.

Wednesday 6th July 2005 witnessed scenes of jubilation in Trafalgar Square as London won the contest to host the Olympic Games in 2012. Thousands gathered under big screens to watch the announcement. As International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge revealed London's victory, there was a collective intake of breath followed by shouts of shock and elation. LondonTown.com was there.

In the end the voting went in London's favour by only 54 to 50 votes. Victory was snatched from favourites Paris after a very strong final presentation in Singapore, backed by Prime Minister Tony Blair. Mr Blair is said to have "danced a jig" at the result.

Her Majesty the Queen sent a message congratulating Seb Coe and his team, commenting "it is a really outstanding achievement to beat such a highly competitive field."

"This is our moment" smiled Lord Coe, who admitted he was surprised by London's victory. He credited an "awesome" last-ditch effort by the Bid Team, in which our parent company LondonMarketing has been a proud partner from a few days after the bid was announced.

We're certainly looking forward to the boost that the Games will bring to this city, but for Lord Coe the main prize has always been the inspiration that 2012 will provide to young athletes, and the funding for sport that this victory will achieve. These were the arguments he pressed in Singapore, and the reason why the bid attracted support from a host of celebrity sportsmen and women, from David Beckham to Sally Gunnell.

Dame Kelly Holmes celebrated with the crowds in Trafalgar Square, a huge, surprised grin plastered on her face. Certainly there seemed no prospect of victory a few months ago when the London bid was ranked behind Madrid and Paris. A complete overhaul of the transport strategy and a huge surge in public support played a part in the turnaround.

London also won a surprise endorsement from Nelson Mandela, who praised it as the most multi-cultural city in the world. Mr Mandela was one of many neutral parties to support London, and it seems likely that Spain decided we were the best hosts following their elimination earlier in the day.

Last year London was an outsider in this contest, but the recovery of the bid coincided with a surge in the self-confidence of the city. Summer always plays host to a range of daily events, festivals and huge sporting events, all attended by thousands and policed with ease. The wealth of culture in this city is extraordinary, and it certainly feels like the busiest, most vibrant capital in Europe.

London deserves the Games. The greatest show on Earth is coming to her most exciting city. Once the celebrations have died down, the capital begins preparations on a massive scale. London 2012 may be a surprise, but somehow it feels right. Here's to the best Olympics, ever.