The 2012 Summer Olympics were held in London, United Kingdom from July 27 to August 12, 2012. It was the third time London hosted the Olympics, having previously hosted in 1908 and 1948. London beat Paris in the final round of bidding to win the right to host the 2012 Games. The Olympics featured 26 sports and over 200 nations were expected to participate. New venues were constructed in Stratford for the Olympics, including the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre.