"While promising, this is the first step in a very long process and provides us with the opportunity to begin exploring what this means for Boston long-term," he said.

"We intend to engage Boston residents, businesses, and community and neighbourhood groups as we begin to discuss what it could mean for our neighbourhoods and region."

It is claimed the city has infrastructure in place and facilities, such as the Reggie Lewis Track Centre, with transport expected to provide the biggest challenge.

Boston's bid was launched shortly after the bombing which devastated the city during the 2013 Boston Marathon ©Getty Images

Support has come from business leaders including John Fish of Suffolk Construction, the city's top builder who claimed "holding the Games in the Boston area would serve as a catalyst for growth in the region, supporting the kinds of major transportation and infrastructure improvements that are essential to our state's economic future".

But many figures dispute that and a group, entitled "No Boston Olympics", are leading opposition to the bid.

"It's great for Boston to be recognised as a world-class city, as the USOC did by including Boston on the 2024 short list," said the latest statement by group co-chair Liam Kerr.

"But make no mistake, bidding on the Olympics is the wrong priority for Boston and our region, we have far more pressing challenges than throwing a three-week party for the global elite."

A seven-month process has now begin during which the USOC will analyse each of the four cities before deciding which, if any, will be selected.

This decision is likely to be announced early next year and will be affected by the Agenda 2020 reform process ongoing within the International Olympic Committee, and due to be concluded at the IOC Session in Monte Carlo on December 8 and 9.

Los Angeles appears the narrow favourite at this stage, with the city offering a bid with four venue clusters based around iconic landmarks including Exposition Park and the Hollywood Bowl.

Of the four cities still in the contest, only Los Angeles has ever hosted an Olympic Games before, having done so in 1932 and 1984 ©Hulton Archive/Getty Images










Mayor Eric Garcetti claimed in a statement that "Los Angeles is the ideal Olympic city, with endless diversity, attractions and scenic beauty", before adding that he looks forward to working with the USOC to ensure "we present the strongest possible bid for our nation".

A stern challenge could come from San Francisco, almost 400 miles to the north of its Californian neighbour, with Mayor Ed Lee similarly pleased to be able to take the next step.

"For the last year, a small group of civic leaders with deep Olympic ties and experience have held quiet, preliminary discussions with the USOC about the city and region's potential to once again bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and return them to the United States in 2024," he said.

"I enthusiastically support taking the next step toward exploring a potential San Francisco Bay Area bid for the 2024 Games."

After an informal poll conducted by DCist earlier this week found that 56 per cent of people in the capital city do not want the Olympic Games, Washington D.C. appears an outside candidate.

But Russ Ramsey, chairman of Washington 2024, insisted the city is capable of standing "shoulder to shoulder with other world class cities in the US. and around the globe", because the capital has become "one of the most international, vibrant and global cities in America".

Little criticism meanwhile, has been vented by representatives of San Diego and Dallas following the announcement yesterday the two cities had been cut from the contest.

USOC chairman Larry Probst praised the "high quality proposals" of the two cities that missed out, before pledging to work with Dallas to "enhance the international awareness of the city" in the future.

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said he agreed with Probst that Dallas needs to boost its worldwide cachet to become a legitimate contender for future Games, before insisting his commitment to "continuing to work hard to increase our influence and impact around the globe".

San Diego meanwhile, is thought to now be turning its attention to a bid for the 2017 Americas Cup after it was reported they are in a three-horse race with Chicago and Bermuda to host the sailing match race.

San Diego is expected to focus on bidding for other sporting event, such as the Americas Cup in 2017 ©Getty Images






It is thought the comparatively small size of the city may have worked against San Diego, as well as the two stronger bids coming from the two neighbouring cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco,

Vincent Mudd, chair of San Diego's Exploratory Committee, said the city has been "well served by engaging in a process to explore hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games".

He added: "As the USOC continues its exploration of the 2024 Games, San Diego will continue to have a proactive role as we enthusiastically support the International Olympic Movement and the USOC's mission."

A successful US bid would mark the first Summer Olympics to take place on US soil since Atlanta 1996, following unsuccessful attempts by New York City for the 2012 edition and by Chicago for the 2016 version secured by Rio de Janeiro.

New York, along with Philadelphia, were also consisted contenders for 2024 before withdrawing potential bids last month.

With European cities including Paris, Berlin and Rome also expected to participate, a final decision as to who will host the Games will not be made by the IOC until 2017. 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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