Istanbul 2020 (Turkish: ) was a bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics by the city of Istanbul and the Turkish Olympic Committee. History Applicant City phase The Turkish Olympic Committee (TMOK) announced the selection of Istanbul as Turkey's candidate on July 7, 2011. Turkey's candidacy was announced officially by Prime Minister Erdogan on August 13, 2011. Hasan Arat, who heads Istanbul 2020 Bid committee, was optimistic about the city's fifth bid, stating that over the past several years the city has seen the development of new venues and infrastructure improvements. He also stated that Turkey's fast growing economy could also greatly benefit the bid. In January 2012, Istanbul 2020 sent a delegation to the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics in Innsbruck to help promote the bid. In March 2012, Istanbul successfully hosted the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships, which was seen as a positive step forward for Istanbul's bid to host the 2020 Olympics. In March 2012, Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey is also interested in bidding to host the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship. Turkey bid to host UEFA Euro 2016 but lost to France by one vote. In April 2012, Turkey submitted a bid to host the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship. Istanbul 2020 has stated that the Olympic bid still had the support of the government. On May 8, 2012, IOC President Jacques Rogge stated that if Istanbul was to be awarded the 2020 Olympics that they would have to withdraw as hosts of UEFA Euro 2020. IOC rules state that an Olympic host nation may not host another major sporting event in the country in the same year as the Olympics. While it initially looked like Turkey would be the sole bidder for UEFA Euro 2020, two other bids for the event have also been submitted. A joint bid among Ireland, Scotland and Wales was submitted. In addition, a bid from Azerbaijan and Georgia was also submitted. Candidate City phase On May 23, 2012, the IOC Selected Istanbul as a Candidate City for the 2020 Summer Olympics. Right after being shortlisted as a candidate city, it was announced that the Vice President of the Turkish Olympic Committee Hasan Arat would serve as the head of Istanbul's bid for the 2020 Olympics. In July 2012, the bid received the endorsement of American Olympic gold-medalist Mark Spitz who won a total of nine Olympic gold medals between 1968