FRENCH politicians and business leaders fear that over- confidence could cost Paris the 2012 Olympics.
At a conference yesterday at Paris Town Hall on the economic impact of the Games, a succession of speakers cautioned against arrogance.
“The trap is to say that it’s in the bag,” said Arnaud Lagardère, chairman of the Club des Entreprises, a group of leading companies supporting Paris’s bid. “The trap is also to unwind and to think over the period after July 6” — when the IOC picks the host city.
But Margy Osmond, chief executive of the New South Wales Chamber of Commerce, who talked about Sydney’s experience, appeared in little doubt. “Paris will be a wonderful city for the Games,” she said. “The community has embraced the Games, they love the idea and they have put their heart and soul into it.”