Pele isn’t worried Obama’s support for Chicago’s 2016 Olympics bid will steal Rio’s thunder

Pele: We have Lula; not worried about Obama effect

COPENHAGEN — Brazilian soccer great Pele says he isn’t worried that President Barack Obama’s star power could help Chicago win the bid for the 2016 Olympics at the expense of Rio de Janeiro.

Rio is seen as a slight favorite ahead of Friday’s vote by the International Olympic Committee, but Obama’s decision to fly into Copenhagen for the final presentation could swing the ballot in Chicago’s favor. Madrid and Tokyo are the other candidates.

However, Pele said Rio “doesn’t compete with Obama. We are competing against Madrid, against Tokyo, against Chicago.”

The 68-year-old Pele pointed out that Rio is also bringing some big names.

He said: “If they have Obama, we have (Brazilian President) Lula, we have Pele.”