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Sports

Saturday October 3, 2009

Marvellous Rio Brazilian city to host 2016 Olympics

COPENHAGEN: Rio de Janeiro was named host of the 2016 Olympic Games yesterday as red-hot favourite Chicago, backed by US President Barack Obama, was handed a devastating, heart-breaking snub.

Rio will be the first South American city to stage the Olympics after seeing off Madrid in the final round of voting which followed a tense and passionate final day of lobbying of International Olympic Committee (IOC) members.

“It’s unbelievable, overwhelming, spectacular,” beamed Rio Governor Sergio Cabral after Rio won the final round of voting by 66-32.

Rio rejoices: Residents on Copacabana beach celebrate after Rio de Janeiro won the bid to host the 2016 Olympics. — Reuters

Chicago was sensationally eliminated in the first round, quickly followed by Tokyo, the only city of the four to have previously hosted the Games, in the second stage.

Chicago’s defeat came despite the intervention of Obama who had flown in yesterday morning to appear at the city’s final presentation.

But even his powerful presence, as well as the lobbying of his wife Michelle, failed to sway the members.

“We fought a good fight and I am very proud of the team and the campaign,” said Chicago bid chief Pat Ryan. “Some you win, some you lose. That’s the way it goes.

“I would like to congratulate the two finalists. I have no idea why we went out so early. The IOC members will have to ask themselves that question.”

In Rio, tens of thousands of people partied on the iconic beach at Copacabana when IOC president Jacques Rogge revealed the winner.

Brazil football legend Pele was in tears when Rio was announced as the winner.

“I’m a very emotional guy and I have been crying ever since I heard the result. This is a great moment not only for Brazil but for South America. In terms of how it compares to a World Cup this is like another goal,” he said.

The Tokyo bid team were said to be shocked and stunned as they felt their message on improving the environment and placing the accent on youth would play well.

Even an impressive turn by newly-elected Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama failed to convince members.

Rio’s appearance in the final two was no surprise as they had consistently impressed in the past year and a stunning piece of oratory by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the presentation sealed their place.

Madrid, bidding to become the first Spanish city to host the Olympics since Barcelona’s successful 1992 edition, were seen to be rank outsiders and were as much as 16-1 with British bookmakers Ladbrokes earlier in the week.

However, the presence of 89-year-old former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch helped secure vital votes.

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero told Reuters: “Rio was a great candidate. We put up a great fight.” — AFP/Reuters

First round: Madrid 28, Rio de Janeiro 26, Tokyo 22, Chicago 18 (Chicago eliminated).

Second round: Rio 46, Madrid 29, Tokyo 20 (Tokyo eliminated).

Final round: Rio 66, Madrid 32.


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