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.
5. Swimming
Manchester really comes into its own when you think of all the purpose-built venues it now has - including the Aquatics Centre which opening in the year 2000. | Getty Images
6. AO Arena
An obvious candidate to host a range of events. An iconic venue for boxing and it recently stage the Davis Cup. The options are endless. A planned arena in Huncoat, Lancashire, which never came to be, was planned for the boxing back in 2000. | Getty Images for LTA
7. Co-op Live
Back in 2000, gymnastics and other events were down to be held at a new "Olympic Arena at Barton Cross" with a 20,000 capacity. That sounds a heck of a lot like Co-op Live to us. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
8. AJ Bell Stadium - and others
Greater Manchester has a plethora of football and rugby stadiums that could hosts the Olympics football, rugby sevens and more. We'd like to think the AJ Bell would be among them. In 2000, Old Trafford, Anfield, Goodison Park and Maine Road were down to host the football. | Getty Images