The First International Olympic Committee.
(Center: Demetrios Bikelas, President. On his right is Baron Pierre de Coubertin, Secretary.)
"Some vague ideas were exchanged with regards to where the first games should be performed; it was decided that the matter should be submitted to the decision of the plenary session of the Conference.
Here, Gentlemen, I found myself in a difficult position. Could I have not taken advantage of the unexpected and unique opportunity in honor and benefit of Greece? I ask you, was I not obligated to propose Athens as the seat of the first Olympic games? I didn't have any such order or permission, but there wasn't any time left to ask the opinion and consent of the proper authorities. And if there were time, I didn't want to - I shouldn't - implicate any third party by any such proposal. I was afraid of its rejection and I considered it right to bear alone the responsibility of failure." - Demetrios Bikelas