Rio de Janiero to host Summer Olympics 2016

[Edwin]

Rio wins 2016 Olympic Games in landslide over Madrid

COPENHAGEN — Rio de Janeiro rode a wave of International Olympic Committee sentiment to award the Olympics to South America for the first time, winning the right to host the 2016 Summer Games on Friday in a victory over surprising finalist Madrid.The result of the final ballot was Rio: 66, Madrid: 32.

 

"I honestly believe it is Brazil's time," Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told the IOC voters. "For the others it will be just one more Games. For us it will be an unparalleled opportunity."

 

Chicago was considered a frontrunner along with Rio coming into the vote. But, despite President Obama's participation in Friday's final presentation and Michelle Obama lobbying IOC members here the last three days for her hometown, the Second City suffered a stunning first-round exit.

 

Tokyo went out in the second round, leaving Madrid, which had the powerful backing of former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch, as the only challenge to Rio's historic opportunity.

 

Samaranch, who ran the IOC from 1980-2001, offered up a heartstring-pulling argument during Madrid's presentation, saying: "I know that I am very near the end of my time. I am as you know 89 years old. May I ask you to consider granting my country the honor and also the duty to organize the Games and the Paralympic Games in 2016."

 

But in the end, it was Rio's passionate pleas to finally include South America in the Olympic rotation that won out. Rio's victory leaves Africa and Antarctica as the only continents that have never hosted an Olympics.

 

"Rio stands ready to represent the Olympics and start a new journey of celebration, discovery and transformation," Brazilian IOC member Carlos Nuzman told the voters.

 

The Rio de Janeiro team expressed confidence after completing its bid presentation. One member, 2008 Olympic champion sailor Isabel Swan, said: "Our presentation was very good, it was perfect."

 

Added Carlos Osorio, secretary general of Rio 2016: "We left the room feeling very well. We clearly felt from the IOC members that our message got across, that they understand the historic opportunity in front of them."

 

Soccer legend Pele also joked that he would be back in uniform if the Olympics go to Rio. "Most important to me is to play in Rio 2016 Olympic Games," said the 68-year-old. "This will be a victory, no doubt."

 

Pele, the only person to be on three World Cup-winning teams, never competed in an Olympics. He turned pro at 16, when only amateurs were allowed in the Games.

[Bellamy]

Saw that live. I'm very excited for them. Congrats!

[Edwin]

Well it should be no secret I wanted Chicago to win the bid, but they were out of it early. It would have been great to have the Olympics close to me. The last time they were here and I was much younger and my parents didn't have an interest in going to them live. Although the Vancouver Olympics is much closer than the London ones

[Bellamy]

I didn't go to the Olympics at all when it was in Beijing. I just won't pay ticket for sport.

[I Love You]

Congrats to Rio de Janiero on hosting the 2016 Olympics. The Winter Olympics are almost hear. I am so excited.

[celinemagicsingle]

I prefer Madrid obiusly! haha Edited October 2, 2009 at 09:09 PM by celinemagicsingle

[destin139]

I'm so happy for Rio! I think it's great for South America and when 2016 comes round its just going to be one big party!!

[Koolan]

I didn't go to the Olympics at all when it was in Beijing. I just won't pay ticket for sport.

Shame on you.

[Del]

I'm so happy Rio got the Olympics.

I won't be going as it's too far away. Eddie you say that the Vancouver Olympics are close to you then the London ones... For me Vancouver may be in Canada... however London is just as close. lol That's weird to think isn't it.