Today, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) selected Chicago over Los Angeles to be the U.S. entry in the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) bid process for the 2016 Olympic Games. The official bid launches September 15, 2007 and the host city will be determined in October 2009 from among the most likely candidates: Madrid, Tokyo, Rio deJaneiro, Rome, Prague and Chicago.
This is great win for a great sports city. L.A., which held the Olympics in 1932 and 1984, would have brought a new style of glitz and glamour to the games, still struggling to keep commercialism at arms length since the 84 games turned a profit and bribery scandals (linked the bid process) ensued.
Meanwhile, Chicago, known as a hardworking city- "the city that works"- with midwestern values, will bring a renewed spirit of ingenuity, integrity and sportsmanship to the games. The city's diverse, rich culture and proud tradition make it the best choice for the U.S., which will have gone 20 years since hosting the centennial games in 1996. Also, Chicago's plan for new facilities tied to urban development- including a "temporary" Olympic Stadium that will be converted to park land after the games- will help Chicago win the bid.
No South American or African city has ever hosted the games, but even though Rio may be the sentimental favorite, it will be overburdened hosting the 2014 World Cup. Meanwhile, Africa is expected to take its time presenting a solid bid for 2020, making 2016 America's best shot in years. Every American should be excited about the prospect of the Olympics coming to the heart of America.
I worked in Chicago from 1997-98 at Leo Burnett and lived just a block away from Wrigley, spending most of my summer nights with a hot dog and an Old Style in the bleachers. Despite that fact, my marathon p.r. was set in Chicago (2:46). Besides Chicago's world class sports, with the Magnificent mile, Sears tower, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, there's always something to do- and the "El" makes it so convenient to get around.I think it's great that the world may get a chance to experience an American Olympic Games in one of its greatest cities- Chicago. You can bet I'll be there.