Do you think the reason why china were awarded to host the olympics had more to do with their economy...?

I think they like to spread it around geographically. I don't think China is anywhere as bad as Zimbabwe ! Obviously, however it has to go to a city with the economic resources to stage it, which rules out half the world. It may be a case of 'rewarding' China for improving their democratic process, the olympics opens up locals to outside 'influence'.