IOC 125th Session Live Updates Summary
September 7, 2013
Welcome to iSportconnect’s live updates of the 125th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Buenos Aires. The Olympic movement are gathered in the Argentinean capital to elect a host city for the 2020 Olympic Games, a new sport and a new President of the IOC.
> Special Report: How the Election Unfolded
> Sport election tomorrow
You can also follow us on Twitter: @isportconnect. Tweet us your views on the Session.
Edited by Steve Moorhouse
Live Updates – 
(Time shown is local time in Buenos Aires – +4 hours for BST)
19:45 And with that brings the end of our coverage for today. I hope you enjoyed our analysis and features. As the Tokyo 2020 saying goes, I leave you in the “safe pair of hands” that is iSportconnect news chief Ismail Uddin for tomorrow’s sport election. Enjoy!
19:42 I have written a special report which looks at the major events during the course of the day. “Special Report: How the 2020 Olympic Games Host City Election Unfolded,” is up now.
18:50 A few rather brilliant images of the Tokyo 2020 delegation after hearing they will host the 2020 Olympic Games
17:41 The initial story on Tokyo’s victory is available here. It seems as though their “safe pair of hands” storyline did the job, but I have to say, for me it was their presentation and handling of the Fukushima questions that made them stand out. Full quotes and analysis coming later.
17:21 TOKYO WILL HOST THE 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES!!
17:15 Tokyo 2020 video now playing. Presumambly the last before the announcement. Rumours of 17:17 are likely to be slightly off now.
17:10 After videos on Argentina, London 2012 and Rio 2016, we now have the Madrid 2020 promotional video. Reports on Twitter suggest announcement at 17:17.
17:05 The award ceremony is underway in Buenos Aires. Powerful video of London 2012 comes after one of Argentina, where of course this 125th Session is being held.
16:59 We are one minute away from the announcement of the 2020 host city. IOC members are refilling their seats.
16:40 Twenty minutes until the 2020 host city is announced. Madrid Mayor Ana Botella is trending on Twitter. She’s getting a fair amount of abuse for her part in the presentation and post-result press conference.
16:19 More views from Michael Payne, first ever IOC Marketing chief and strategic adviser to Istanbul 2020: “#2020olympic did #Madrid just fall into the same trap as #chicago did 4 years ago – the perceived favorite momentum.”
16:08 It is a waiting game now. The votes are in and the IOC have elected a host city for the 2020 Olympic Games. We will know who at 17:00 local time
16:02 Istanbul goes through!! 49 votes sees Istanbul through to the second round with Tokyo
16:01 Michael Payne on Twitter: “Did I or did I not talk of a tie in first round. Not healthy for the tension.”
15:59 Tie breaker! Madrid and Istanbul are level in second so the voting re-opens.
15:56 And there it is. First round closes as quickly as it opens.
15:55 Voting is now open. Who do you think will win?
15:49 So Tokyo gets number 2, Istanbul 8 and Madrid 4. IOC members will soon be pushing one of those three buttons on their electronic voting system!
15:47 The draw is happening now. Fingers crossed for your preferred city!
15:43 The voting session is just around the corner so here is the set-up. With 95 votes, a city will need 48 votes in the first round to win outright. The likelihood is that this will go to a second round. Therefore, the city with the fewest votes in round one is eliminated leaving the other two into round two. The votes will then go up to either 96 or 98.
15:32 Statement from the IOC regarding the media blackout during Madrid 2020’s presentation: “Owing to heavy rain and flooding in Buenos Aires, the broadcast feed during the Madrid 2020 presentation was temporarily suspended. The International Olympic Committee apologises for the inconvenience, but would like to reiterate that Madrid’s presentation to the 125th IOC Session continued without incident and that the vote for the election of the 2020 host city will not be affected in any way.”
15:22 Somebody is nervous! Spanish singer/song writer Alejandro Sanz said on Twitter: “Very nervous. #Madrid2020 Let’s be strong!”
15:15 The test vote is happening now, ahead of schedule. It is the only part of the day that cannot be broadcast. Whilst you wait, have a look at our Road to 2020 sub-community, which has all the latest news from the bidding process.
15:08 Sir Craig Reedie thanks Jacques Rogge for the opportunity to lead the commission and a with there being no questions from the floor, a test vote is being carried out. Behind closed doors sadly.
15:04 The IOC Evaluation Committee is now presenting to the audience, with their head Sir Craig Reedie talking about the “responsibility” of their vote. Sir Craig spoke to us over the summer regarding the bid process.
14:51 Madrid 2020 Makes Economic Sense says Prime Minister
14:35 Istanbul 2020’s presentation
14:33 Here are some pictures from earlier in the day. Istanbul 2020 Chairman Hasan Arat and Turkey’s PM Recep Erdogan
14:24 Keir Radnedge reports on Istanbul 2020’s presentation being overshadowed by doping issues.
14:22 According to Steve Wilson of the AP, who writes on Twitter: “Madrid 2020 bid chief Alejandro Blanco says it’s `a pity’ that video feed was cut `but that should not have a real impact in the outcome.'”
14:20 More headlines: “Tokyo 2020: Prime Minister Assures IOC Fukushima Radioactive Leak is ‘under control’”
13:54 iSportconnect has spoken to former IOC Marketing Chief and strategic advisor to Istanbul 2020, Michael Payne. He said: “They (Istanbul 2020) did very well and provided compelling answer to why Istanbul and what it would mean to the Games.” Payne asked whether the IOC would be “embracing a new territory and culture or whether they are going backwards and into their comfort plans.”
13:52 Some headlines out of Buenos Aires. “Istanbul In Confident Mood After IOC Presentation”
13:28 iSportconnect has been back in touch with Keir Radnedge. When asked who’s presentation was the most successful, Keir said: “Tokyo. Clear, crisp, balanced and went straight in to key issues such as youth and Paralympics. It was also convincing from the Prime Minister in English about Fukushima.”
13:10 The IOC have now stopped for lunch and will report back in roughly two hours. The announcement of the host city is at 17:00 local time. Stay tuned for further analysis, pictures and live updates.
13:04 That’s the presentations and Q&As finished. Who has done the best for you? I would have to say Tokyo looks the most promising but I have been wrong before! Comments below the live feed are welcome.
12:59 Questions regarding doping and Spain’s questionable past and “attitude” to the issue. Blanco says “we have sharpened the law and prosecuted the athletes and those who harm the health of the athletes.”
12:51 Prince Felipe: “The benefits of sport are measured in generations, not in dollars.” We will see if the IOC agree!
12:46 Spanish PM Rajoy presenting earlier
12:43 “You can trust Madrid. You can depend on Madrid. Not years from now, but today.”
12:40 We’re back. Alejandro Blanco, President of Madrid 2020 is on stage presenting to the IOC. “Our primary focus has been athletes and sports.”
12:35 Reports coming in that no one apart from members of the IOC can see Madrid’s presentation. TV channels in the Spanish capital have lost contact too.
12:30 Tim Crow, CEO of Synergy Sponsorship has provided analysis of Madrid 2020’s sponsorship package, whilst we await the technical issues to be resolved. Tim told us: “The weakness of the Spanish economy would make it very much third choice – and of course in terms of population Madrid is less than 25% the size of both Istanbul and Tokyo.” Tim earlier told us Istanbul’s model was the one to watch and has added: “If Madrid or Tokyo do win, they’ll have to address that if they want to excite and attract potential sponsors, particularly Madrid because of the weakness of the Spanish economy.”
12:26 Technical issues from the IOC means the live feed is down in Buenos Aires. To keep you entertained, have a look at our Road to 2020 e-Magazine which gives you all the details on each city’s bid.
12:19 Madrid Mayor Ana Botella is now presenting. “We have been working hard for many years. The Olympic Games are a celebration of life and I can ensure you that no one celebrates life like the Spanish do.”
12:18 Positive feedback so far for Madrid 2020. BBC Olympics reporter Ollie Williams says on Twitter: “This is an impressive start to Madrid’s bid: arguing the city makes financial sense, has been preparing for years and years (of failed bids).”
12:15 Spanish President Mariano Rajoy has said Madrid is “eager” to host the Games. Impressively, 80% of the investment needed is complete.
12:10 Juan Antonio Samaranch of Madrid 2020 says: “Why is Madrid 2020 bidding for a third time? How can we not? It is the responsible thing to do. It makes financial sense”
12:04 As Madrid 2020’s promotional video plays out, this just in from Istanbul 2020’s. Hasan Arat says: “We are delighted with how our final presentation went and how it was received, as well as with the achievements of this final week of our campaign. We have given it everything, left it all on the field in sporting terms. I feel so proud and privileged to have been given this wonderful opportunity to head this bid for my country. We have had extremely enthusiastic feedback from all of the members of Olympic Family we have spoken to and we feel optimistic about the outcome of the vote later today.”
12:02 Madrid 2020 are on stage and preparing to present their case to the IOC.
11:59 Madrid 2020 will be presenting soon. Here is Jacques Rogge with Japan’s Princess Takamado
11:47 Tokyo 2020 can feel confident after their performance. Prime Minister Abe answered the tough questions on Fukushima and did well.
11:40 Paul Freudensprung of bcn event factory and all round bidding expert has talked to us about Madrid’s rise from underdog to serious contender: “At the end of May at SportAccord some people thought Madrid was back. Even though from what I heard Istanbul was thought to be favorite by most people. With the ancillary issues surrounding the bids of Istanbul (protests, Syria) and Tokyo (nuclear radiation), the economic plight of Madrid (and Spain) seems less of a problem.” Do you agree?
11:35 Steve Moorhouse, your host on iSportconnect’s live coverage: “That is Tokyo 2020 finished and an impressive performance. Madrid 2020 are up next. Economic issues have long been the problem for Madrid but they have since risen to second favourite. Bookmakers rarely lose and it would look as though they are the city who pose a threat to Tokyo. They will need an impressive presentation and Q&A here though.”
11:33 Patrick Sandusky, Chief Communications Officer of the USOC says on Twitter: “Not to sound pro Tokyo as Im for all three cities but questioning Japanese about transport is like asking Italians if the dinner will be OK?”
11:31 Prime Minister Abe says Fukushima situation “poses no problems what so ever.” Very clear and adamant response from the PM who says he will take responsibility for any downfalls.
11:26 Tokyo 2020 CEO Mizuno answers transport questions: “The Tokyo games will be very compact, with a 8km radius of the Olympic Village. We can transport all the athletes, Olympic families within a very short period of time. We ensure that we have very good Olympic routes.”
11:22 “How can you say Fukushima will not affect the games and why, so we can have reassurances?” The second question from the IOC.
11:20 Takeda concludes the presentation and Rogge now hands it to members of the IOC and the NOCs to ask their questions. Prince Albert is first again!
11:19 Mixed reviews of PM Abe’s rousing speech. @PatrickSandusky (Chief communications officer of USOC) “PM Abe is really selling it. great presentation” @jensweinreich (author of book on the IOC presidential race) “painful presentation by PM Abe.” What did you think? Passionate or over the top?
11:12 More passion from Abe who says choosing Tokyo 2020 “means choosing a new powerful booster for the Olympic movement.”
11:09 Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is delivering a passionate speech. He says that Fukushima offers “no threat of safety,” to the Olympic Games.
11:05 A picture from earlier, Japan’s Princess Takamado
10:58 Tokyo Governor Naoki Inose says the city is “Dynamic but also peaceful, reliable and also stable.” He mistakenly questioned Istanbul’s publicly during the protests this summer. Is this another sly dig at Istanbul?
10:56 Twitter reaction toTokyo 2020 is so far good. Dan Roan of the BBC said: “Very slick so far from Tokyo 2020 – Princess Hisako Takamado & Paralympian Mami Sato making it hard for IOC members to ignore them..”
10:53 Tokyo 2020 are now showing a video based on legacy and the venues, including their new national stadium.
10:49 Masato Mizuno, CEO of Tokyo 2020 is pushing his bid’s commercial ability. “Corporate Japan will support the Games. We already have 21 corporate sponsors.” He also says that Tokyo 2020 will be the “greatest commercial success.”
10:46 Tokyo 2020 President Tsunekazu Takeda says: “Not a single Japanese athlete has failed a doping test in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
10:41 “Very gracious and classy start for Tokyo with its introduction by Princess Hisako Takamado.”
10:35 A quick note from Alan Abrahamson on Twitter regarding Istanbul 2020: “One more #Istanbul2020 note. Am told reliably Turkey does still NOT have national anti-doping agency. NOC is doing the work.” That would go against what was said in the answer session.
10:32 The long-term favourites and “safe pair of hands” Tokyo 2020 are now on stage and preparing to present.
10:27 Ahead of Tokyo’s presentation and after Istanbul’s, Tim Crow, CEO of Synergy Sponsorship has provided extra analysis on their sponsorship models. Tim told us: “I suspect that if you polled the ten IOC global sponsors about which city they would prefer, it would probably be split between Istanbul and Tokyo, with the B2C brands preferring Istanbul because of the burgeoning youth market in Turkey and the B2B brands liking Tokyo more because Japan is home to so many big businesses.” Do you agree?
10:23 “iSportconnect is the only platform providing a minute by minute update and expert analysis on the IOC Session. I hope you enjoy the coverage!” Sree Varma, CEO of iSportconnect.
10:19 Tokyo 2020 are presenting in 10 minutes. The issue of Fukushima will almost certainly be on the agenda and they will hope it will not be as pressing a concern as doping was for Istanbul.
10:13 Interesting presentation from Istanbul 2020. A lot of debate on doping and security could be their downfall. Tokyo will present next at 10:30. I’ll be back shortly with more coverage and analysis. You can join our discussions on the 2020 votes here
10:10 Jacques Rogge says “I congratulate you on your excellent work” to Istanbul 2020 as their presentation and Q&A session ends.
10:08 “There is a great need for peace in the region. Hosting the Olympics in Istanbul will give this spirit of friendship and sharing and peace,” says PM Erdogan.
10:06 As Keir Radnedge on Twitter says: “Bad news: the overwhelming impression left of Istanbul’s presentation will be all about doping . . .”
10:02 Erdener responding to anti-doping questions. he has highlighted that their national anti-doping agency has only been in formation for two years and has taken a “zero tolerance” stance and is “working very hard.”
9:57 Q&A session for Istanbul 2020 now. Questions asked relate to doping and security. Serious hurdles for Istanbul and it will be interesting to hear their response.
9:53 As Alam Abrahamson, Olympic expert and 3wires editor says on Twitter: “A lot has not gone #Istanbul2020‘s way. But Hasan Arat is a first-class man. Let that be proclaimed far and wide.”
9:51 “The Olympic movement is at its strongest when it transcends sport and brings the world together.” Arat and Istanbul 2020 are continuing to push their ability to host in Europe and Asia, as well as a Muslim nation.
9:45 It is worth noting that Istanbul 2020 was as far behind Madrid and Tokyo in the betting stakes yesterday, that bookmakers were offering 8/1 on an Istanbul victory. Has their presentation swayed the IOC?
9:40 Turkey’s PM Recep Erdogan says “the whole nation is committed to hosting the Olympics in 2020.” Turkey has never had the government backing they enjoy for this bid in the past.
9:33 Turkey’s Sport Minister Suat Kilic has spoken about the “zero tolerance” approach to doping and anyone found guilty will be punished by criminal law. Doping is a big issue in Turkey
9:22 Turkey’s Deputy PM Ali Babacan is presenting and says Turkey will be in “the top 10 economies in the world” in 10 years.
9:17 Sponsorship expert Tim Crow, CEO of Synergy Sponsorship is backing Istanbul 2020’s sponsorship model. He told iSportconnect: “For the evolution of the Olympic sponsorship model Istanbul would be the most interesting choice. Its bid has a much more innovative approach to sponsorship than Madrid and Tokyo, both in proposing new activation concepts and, especially, an openness to social media integration which the others lack.”
9:05 “This is a new bid, for a new Turkey.” Istanbul 2020 Chairman, Hasan Arat.
9:00 The delegation for Istanbul 2020 have taken their seats and are preparing to present to the IOC
8:50 “It’s a great pleasure to welcome you to Buenos Aires.” 125th Session underway
8:45 For much of the race, Tokyo has been considered the favourite, but journalist Keir Radnedge told iSportconnect: “In any sort of gambling mix, there is usually a surprise somewhere along the way. It might be in the city vote.”
8:40 Welcome! Presentations begin in 15 minutes, but for now have a look through our picture gallery
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