Paris put on a show for the world to see and as far as we can see, there’s no reason why Manchester and Greater Manchester couldn’t do the same. They have of course tried before, bidding to host the games in 1996 and 2000 only to lose out to Atlanta and Sydney respectively. Of course, the world of sport did come to Manchester with the Commonwealth Games shortly after in 2002.
With that in mind we’ve taken a look back at the venues that were to be used back in 2000 and imagined how things might look in 2036 and 2040 which are the next Olympics without a host. Los Angeles will host in 2028 and Brisbane, Australia in 2032.
It’s time for Manchester to host the greatest show on earth.
1. Olympic Stadium
Now then, this one maybe isn't as cut and dry as you'd think. The 2000 Olympic bid talked of a "new Olympics Stadium at Barton Cross". That's now obviously the Etihad, built for the Commonwealth Games as the City of Manchester Stadium. But could a 'new' Old Trafford push it to one side. | Getty Images
2. Beach volleyball in Piccadilly Gardens
Now we can't find record of plans for 2000 for the beach volleyball but it only entered the games in 1996. We hereby propose that in Manchester it's a great use of Piccadilly Gardens. What could possibly go wrong? | Manchester World
3. Breaking on Market Street
What better spot for the new event in Paris? Now it's bizarrely not taking place in LA in 2028 but it could be back by the time Manchester almost definitely get the Olympics. | Getty Images
4. Equestrian
Back in 2000 Haydock Park down as the venue for the equestrian events and we can't see that changing for a future Manchester Olympic bid. | Getty Images