This was really a shocker. Many observers said Chicago was the one to beat. In fact, bookmakers have place it as an almost sure win for the 2016 Olympics. And the media said so too with headlines screaming that Chicago was “pulling away” from the rest of the candidates/bidders in the final hours of lobbying. And why not? Not only was Chicago logistically ahead of the rest but with President Barack Obama flying in to Copenhagen to join wife Michelle and friend Oprah Winfrey to make the final push, many thought it was a sure thing, if only because of the star power.

The votes were cast in the first round. The IOC 2016 Olympics voting announcement was a shocker. The 2016 Olympics IOC announcement: Chicago eliminated/loses in the FIRST ROUND! What? Many thought Tokyo was going in the first round and Chicago would be vying for the 2016 Olympics slot in the third and final round? Tokyo was out in the second round so that left Madrid and Rio de Janeiro vying for the 2016 Olympics slot.

What happened? Chicago was leading. Why did it suddenly fall in the voting? here’s what I think. It was too much, the lobbying. The star power Chicago brought in may have turned off some IOC members. Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, then Barack Obama? Maybe it looked like a David and Goliath battle and the IOC members chose to eliminate Goliath first. That’s what I think.

I am hoping that IOC voters will choose Rio. It’s time to put South America in the Olympics hosting map. The continent has largely been ignored for the past 100 years and it should be recognized this year. The time is now to correct this imbalance.

The votes have been cast in the third and final round and all we have to do now is wait for the results which will come in about an hour. Hope RIO wins!

Rio Wins!

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