Chicago shocked at early exit from Olympics

WASHINGTON - Thousands of disappointed Chicagoans streamed out of their planned public celebration Friday when their city fell out of the Olympic bidding process unexpectedly at the first round.

The Midwest US city had been widely regarded as the joint favourite with Rio de Janeiro to host the 2016 bid, especially following the last minute visit to Copenhagen by US President Barack Obama.

“I am completely in shock,” said Jan Schakowsky, a Chicago congresswomen, speaking to TV reporters from Chicago’s Daley Plaza, as thousands of stunned residents headed for the exit.

Though she was shocked, she did reveal that Pat Ryan, the chairman of the Chicago bid, had been concerned that Chicago may fall at the first hurdle as delegates voted for their own continents, effectively splitting the natural base of support between Rio and Chicago.

“Pat Ryan, the chairman of the bid, had been worried about the first round where people voted for their continent - even people who on the next round would have voted for Chicago,” she said.

“I’m shocked and I bet a number of the delegates of the IOC were shocked as well. I think they thought they would have another opportunity to vote for Chicago.

“People are leaving this place so disappointed. The spirit of Chicago is really dampened and it hurts. People are really stunned.”

David Axelrod, a senior Obama advisor, said on MSNBC that Chicago’s elimination was a “disappointment”.

“It would have been great to have the Olympics in Chicago,” Axelrod said, rebuffing criticism of Obama for flying to Copenhagen on the city’s behalf while the rest of the country is still trying to cover from the recession.

“This president is going to go anywhere he can to promote this country,” he said. “It was well worth in the investment of time.”

Basketball great Michael Jordan, a native Chicagoan who was also in Copenhagen to boost the city’s bid, said he was “just as stunned as everyone else”.

“I can’t believe we did not win,” said Jordan. “I thought it was a great mix for the world. It was perfect for the world to explore.”

Governor Pat Quinn said that ultimately Chicago couldn’t match the historic potential offered by Rio.

“The bottom line is that Rio de Janeiro was the sentimental favourite,” he said. “Never has the Olympics been held in South America and this was their opportunity to do it.”