The Olympics Bidding Process
The United Kingdom faced some very stiff opposition in its bid to host the Olympic games.
When the bid was submitted in 2003, nine cities were competing to host the games.
Paris was the favorite to win the bid but reportedly lost out due to a series of unfortunate events. London won and Paris followed second, while Madrid, New York City and Moscow were next in the order of runner-ups.
The games will be followed by the Paralympic games which will take place after the main Olympics.