Glasgow has lost its bid to host the 2018 Youth Olympic Games. Buenos Aires in Argentina won the International Olympic Committee (IOC) vote, defeating Colombian city Medellin in the final round.
Since the short list was announced, the final three bid cities had faced questioning and assessment from the IOC.
A delegation including Britain’s most successful Olympian, Sir Chris Hoy, British Olympic Association (BOA) chairman Sebastian Coe, organisers, politicians and school pupils had travelled to IOC headquarters in Lausanne for the announcement.
“It is of course disappointing not to win but this was one of the toughest Olympic races of recent times” Paul Bush Glasgow 2018
Congratulating Buenos Aires on its victory, bid partners the BOA, Scottish government and Glasgow City Council pledged to continue building on the legacy from last summer’s London Games and next year’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Bid director Paul Bush said: “This bid gave Glasgow and Scotland the chance to show its excellence and sophistication when it comes to staging world-class events.
“It is of course disappointing not to win but this was one of the toughest Olympic races of recent times and nothing can take away from the excellent technical and visionary bid put together by all the partners.
“I would like to pay particular tribute to all the young people who were at the heart of this bid from the beginning and who embraced it as their own. They should take immense pride in their achievements and use this journey as the catalyst for further success for themselves and for their city and country.”
Youth Olympic Games Ambassador Katherine Grainger spoke from the supporting event in Glasgow today after watching the live IOC feed of the announcement.
“Of course it’s hugely disappointing for Glasgow not to have won but there is still a huge amount to be proud of. During the bid process massive numbers of young people got involved in sport who might not have otherwise which is great. And for some lucky young athletes there will be a fantastic trip to Buenos Aires in five years time. The excitement and enthusiasm for sport is alive and well in this country and with the Commonwealth Games around the corner, Glasgow has a lot to look forward to.”