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South Korea Gets 2018 Olympics

Pyeongchang wins bid in first round

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 6, 2011 11:05 AM CDT

(Newser) – Pyeongchang, South Korea, won the 2018 Winter Olympics in the first round of voting, the International Olympic Committee announced today. Pyeongchang was up against Munich, Germany, and Annecy, France, but was the favorite and had even been speculated to win in the first round. It was the first time since 1995 that a bid race with more than two finalists was decided in the first round, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Pyeongchang also led in the first rounds for both the 2010 and 2014 games, but lost both. Its slogan this time around was "New Horizons," noting that its culture is not well-known to many around the world. Other than cities in Japan, which hosted in both 1972 and 1998, Pyeongchang will be the first Asian city to host the Winter Games.

International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge opens the envelope announcing that Pyeongchang has won the bid to host the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Durban, South Africa, July 6, 2011.
International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge opens the envelope announcing that Pyeongchang has won the bid to host the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Durban, South Africa, July 6, 2011.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Members of the South Korean delegation at the 123rd International Olympic Comittee (IOC) meeting in Durban Wednesday July 6, 2011 pose for a group picture.
Members of the South Korean delegation at the 123rd International Olympic Comittee (IOC) meeting in Durban Wednesday July 6, 2011 pose for a group picture.   (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
South Koreans gather to watch TV for the International Olympic Committee to announce the 2018 Winter Olympic site in Chuncehon, South Korea, Wednesday, July 6, 2011.
South Koreans gather to watch TV for the International Olympic Committee to announce the 2018 Winter Olympic site in Chuncehon, South Korea, Wednesday, July 6, 2011.   (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
South Korean dancers perform during a rally to wish for the Pyeongchang's bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympic in Chuncheon, South Korea, Wenesday, July 6, 2011.
South Korean dancers perform during a rally to wish for the Pyeongchang's bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympic in Chuncheon, South Korea, Wenesday, July 6, 2011.   (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
South Koreans celebrate after obtaining a first-round majority in the vote for Pyeongchang to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.
South Koreans celebrate after obtaining a first-round majority in the vote for Pyeongchang to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.   (Getty Images)
South Koreans celebrate after obtaining a first-round majority in the vote for Pyeongchang to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.
South Koreans celebrate after obtaining a first-round majority in the vote for Pyeongchang to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.   (Getty Images)
South Koreans celebrate after obtaining a first-round majority in the vote for Pyeongchang to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.
South Koreans celebrate after obtaining a first-round majority in the vote for Pyeongchang to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.   (Getty Images)
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South Korea • Olympic Games • International Olympic Committee • Olympics • Winter Olympics • 2018 Olympics

 
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