Vancouver-Whistler to host 2010 Winter Olympics

Thousands of Canadians cheered on Wednesday morning as they heard that the International Olympic Committee has selected Vancouver and Whistler to host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

• INDEPTH: Target 2010

"It's the second Canada Day in a row," said John Furlong, president of the Vancouver-Whistler bid.

"We're going to party all night."

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge announced the winner in Prague, Czech Republic.

Vancouver-Whistler beat Pyeongchang, South Korea, on a second ballot. Salzburg, Austria, was eliminated on the first vote.

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The win is the result of an effort lasting five years and costing $34 million to bring the Games to Vancouver and Whistler.

• FROM CBC SPORTS ONLINE: Vancouver-Whistler wins Olympics

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Thousands of Canadians gathered at GM Place in Vancouver and in Whistler exploded into jubilation with the announcement.

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The final result was very close.

Canadian IOC member Paul Henderson, who couldn't vote because he represents a bid country, told the CBC that Pyeongchang had a large lead on the first ballot, but most of Salzburg's support went to Canada's bid on the second ballot.

"It was as the Olympics of today. It was a photo finish," said Prime Minister Jean Chrtien.

But in a strange twist, some IOC members didn't vote at all. All members had an electronic voting device in front of them, but a handful didn't use theirs for some reason.

Canadian IOC member Dick Pound says no one knows for sure why they decided to abstain, but in such a close race, their votes could have sent the 2010 Winter Olympics to South Korea.