It´s a good decision to go to a new continent with the Olympics! There´s a parallel decision with the World Cup 2010 that will be held for the first time in South Africa and Brazil will follow in 2014. The symbolism of the Olympic rings includes the ambition that these continents should get the opportunity to stage the event. It can be said that London 2012 is overbridging the gap between the continents by the "International Inspiration" programme that takes place in less developed countries; Germany also shares its know-how in staging the World Cup by supporting South Africa. These are actually good examples to go on in this direction!

Congratulations Rio! It is great to see the Games finally going to South America, and to a country whose people wear their love of sport on their sleeves. It is even possible that the people of Rio my match or surpass the phenomenal vibe that existed in my home town of Sydney during the 2000 Olympics. Living here, it is perfectly clear that the Australian public's overwhelming embrace of the Olympic spirit was the key factor that tipped the scales our way when Juan Antonio Samaranch declared Sydney 2000 "The best Olympic Games ever." So far, Athens could not surpass Sydney and neither could Beijing, in terms of the overall quality of their Games. Sure Beijing did great things with the Opening Ceremony and general organization, but the Spirit suffered badly at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party, and thus the overall scorecard. It is the vibe of the city and its people that really makes or breaks each Olympics, and for that reason alone, I tip Rio to do something very special, especially with 2 years to fully digest, assimilate and implement all of the lessons they will inevitably learn from hosting the 2014 World Cup 2 years prior to the Games. So how about giving them something to really live up to London? I believe you are going to stage a great Olympics in 3 years time, and I am with you, and now Rio, all the way.