Sochi had beaten Pyeongchang four years ago when they were selected as the host of the 2014 Olympics and Paralympics. 

"On behalf of everyone at Sochi 2014, I want to give my warmest congratulations to Pyeongchang 2018," Chernyshenko said.

"Like Sochi 2014, they offer an exciting 'New Horizon' for the Olympic Movement.

"Together we will take the power of Olympism to new territories.

"Pyeongchang will be an excellent host city and I look forward to working with them in the future."

IOC President Jacques Rogge announced that Pyeongchang had achieved an outright majority in the first round of voting, making it the first city to win in the first round for over 16 years.

"For Annecy 2018 and Munich 2018, I can only offer them my most sincere commiserations," said Chernyshenko.

"They both put together very strong bids, and I'm sure they could have both staged an amazing Winter Games.

"I wish everyone involved with Annecy 2018 and Munich 2018 all the very best in the future.

"They will always be valuable members of the Olympic family."

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