Olympics: Toronto had best bid - Ridgeon

Jon Ridgeon felt sorry for Toronto after Beijing got the nod to host the 2008 Olympic Games.

Beijing had been firm favourites to win the International Olympic Committee vote in Moscow today despite concerns over China’s human rights record.

Ridgeon, a world silver medallist for Great Britain at 110m hurdles in 1987, said: ‘‘I am not particularly impressed with China’s human rights record but I’ve always said that sport and politics should not mix so I have to be consistent and be happy that the Games have gone to Beijing.’’

Ridgeon, now a presenter for televised meetings, said: ‘‘I do feel a bit sorry for Toronto because they’ve put the best bid in but they haven’t won for political reasons.

‘‘The athletes are fairly philosophical about where the Games are. They would probably have preferred Toronto but they will go where they need to go to win gold medals.’’

‘‘Beijing will do whatever it takes to make sure that the Games are a great success. In terms of facilities I am sure they won’t let anyone down.’’

Asked if the Games might go to Europe - perhaps to London - in 2012, now that the 2008 Games have gone to the Far East, Ridgeon said: ‘‘I can’t see a Government of any persuasion in Britain providing the financial backing to get an Olympics here.

‘‘For some reason sport just doesn’t seem to be important enough to Governments in Britain.’’