[Colbro]

Since Atlanta in 1996 the games have gone to Sydney and Athens and will be going to Beijing and London. It could therefore be argued that it is the American Continents turn again.

Rio has just staged the Pan-Am games and it went very well with about 200 000 extra security people bought in to ensure safety against the backdrop or the towns violent image.

The Maracana is now well past the sell by date and needs major refurbishment or knocking down and building again. Brazil is the only bidder for the 2014 World Cup so far so plans could be made to build a suitable stadium for both events.