2016 Olympics: Decision on Friday

[Bay Hill]

If you get the Uni Sports channel, they have the WMAQ feed. It's on now

 

[bubie2.5]

I think if security from local crime was a huge concern then only Tokyo would be in contention because Rio has tremendous crime problems and Madrid isn't that much better.

Actually, having visited Rio, Madrid and Chicago, I can honestly say that Madrid is the safest city for tourists BY FAR. I have no idea about Tokyo.

 

[chicagoshannon]

Chicago is extremely safe for tourists.

I love the olympics and would love to be able to see some diving or swimming in person.

My problem is that we're going to be on the hook for millions/billions of dollars. Our taxes are already extremely high.

 

[Bay Hill]

The 4 cities have made there pitch. Voting begins at 15h10 GMT.

 

[bubie2.5]

Chicago is extremely safe for tourists.

I have not said it isn't, I just said that Madrid is safer.

On a side note, there's always the chance someone is going to steal your purse ANYWHERE in the world, but in Rio I actually feared for my life due to some glue sniffing kids. Really sad.

 

[Free4Life11]

Well that surprises me because weren't there large scale train bombings in Madrid? Chicago has never had that kind of terrorism that I can recall.

 

[Luv2Scrap]

OMG, Chicago was just eliminated in the first round with the least amount of votes!

 

[cat83]

what a shame

 

[bubie2.5]

Well that surprises me because weren't there large scale train bombings in Madrid? Chicago has never had that kind of terrorism that I can recall.

So did NY. Wasn't there a bombing in the Atlanta games? If we talk about terrorism we have to agree that those acts were committed against their nations. In that case, neither Madrid or Chicago are safe.
Wasn't there a kid beaten to death in front of everyone just a few days ago in Chicago?

 

[Bay Hill]

It's going to Rio.
Well at least,the beach vollyball event should be something to watch.

Tokyo is out.

 

[LukenDC]

Wow! That was a surprise.

 

[Jennasis]

A surprise for sure, but as I said earlier, it's going to be RIO. Sad for Chi-town though...

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

Reports are that the voting is done. Announcement expected soon. Shame about Chi-town. I know a lot of people were very hopeful that the Olympics would beheld there.

 

[DAD21]

Sad, but not surprising. I think Chicago had a credibility problem that eventually did them in. I for one believe that the Olympics were not willing to risk problems(political,unions) associated with getting the venues up to specs.

 

[WoodysRoundup]

As a resident of the city of Chicago, I am happy we did not get the bid. Mayor Daley promised we would not pay for the games. Anyone who follows the corruption in this city knows that is not true. Also, traffic would have been a logistical nightmare. Most importantly, many of us think we'd be a huge target for terrorism hosting the games. Trust me, I'm in the majority as a city resident who is happy we will not be hosting the games. For those of you who are disappointed, I do understand.

 

[Bay Hill]

Thinking back, this vote is like the London/Paris duel for the 12 games.
Paris was the favourite, but lost to London by 2 votes.
I guess the IOC members wanted the games to Rio, and losing on the first vote is not good for the USA. It may be a while for the Olympics to come back to US soil.
Chicago will bid for the 20 games.

 

[pozey]

I think it will be Rio....but....

I think that Madrid is getting a lot of sympathy votes because of past IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch saying something about this being his last Olympics.

 

[cat83]

And it starts Just overheard an interview from the TV the other room...I didn't hear much, but did hear whoever being interviewed saying
"this just shows the voters are anti-American". Come on now.

 

[DWGal210]

And it starts Just overheard an interview from the TV the other room...I didn't hear much, but did hear whoever being interviewed saying
"this just shows the voters are anti-American". Come on now.

Yeah, that is ridiculous. They have to vote on the best city to handle that kind of infrastructure, people, new venues, etc - - and although it would have been very cool to have the Olympics less than 5 hours from my front door, I do agree that it would have taken a miracle for Chicago to pull it off. It's a great town, but not ready for that level of event, I don't think.

Good luck to either Rio or Madrid!

 

[bubie2.5]

"this just shows the voters are anti-American". Come on now.

I don't think that had anything to do with the decision. I always get so angry when I hear that "the world hates us" excuse. As an American living outside the US for many years I can say from experience that we are loved as much, if not more, that we are hated. They may disapprove our politics, but they're amazed of what we've been able to do in a relatively small amount of time.