As a two-time Olympic silver medalist and one of the most popular athletes in Spain, Madrid was hoping Pau Gasol’s presence would improve their chances of winning the bid to host the 2020 Olympics.
Unfortunately, the International Olympic Committee announced today in Argentina that they have awarded Tokyo the 2020 Olympics. Tokyo defeated Istanbul 60-36 in the final round of secret voting while Madrid was eliminated earlier in the round.
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Tokyo was considered the safest choice for the committee due to its experience of organizing major events such as hosting the 1964 Summer Games and its current economic stability. Madrid was a contender, but its current economy and high unemployment rate ultimately hindered their chances to win the 2020 Olympics.
Last month, Madrid’s Olympic bid committee announced Pau Gasol was one of the country’s spokespeople and would address the International Olympic Committee during Madrid’s final presentation in Buenos Aires. In 2012, Pau Gasol replaced Rafael Nadal as Spain’s flag bearer in the Summer Olympics.
This comes as unfortunate news for Madrid as the Olympics would have provided a boost for the country that has been in a recession for more than four years and has a 26.3 percent unemployment rate.
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