Sports

Chicago 2016 Olympics Eliminated: Crowd Reactions

by Scott Wu | October 2, 2009 at 11:36 am

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The International Olympics Committee (IOC) announced Chicago was the first to be eliminated in the 2016 Olympics bid. It was a surprising outcome, as people saw Chicago as a strong contender to Rio de Janeiro. Tokyo was later eliminated, which was considered less likely to be chosen. An hour later, the IOC announced in Copenhagen that Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympics, favored over Madrid.

The crowd gathered in Chicago's Daley Plaza was shocked to hear the outcome, especially after President Obama had flown to Copenhagen in the last minute to give his personal backing.

CNN anchor could hardly believe what he heard, said "Chicago is out? Chicago is out? Chicago is out? Madrid is still in? Tokyo is still in? Wait a minute, Chicago is out?"

CNN's Ali Velish said people were "dumbfounded" and no one knew what happened.

CNN's Ali Velshi in Chicago said there was an acceptance the city might not get the Olympics but absolute shock that it would fall at the first round.

People, Velshi said, were dumbfounded. "No one knew what was going on. They thought they must have misheard. There's some very hurt people around here."

Some people in the crowd have also uploaded videos on YouTube. If you were there, feel free to add your video to the story!

5 See all footage | View Slideshow

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albertacowpoke

at 14:41 on October 2nd, 2009

What happened is that the IOC looked at the real Chicago, violence laced. Obama's star power coupled with Michel and Oprah meant nothing to Europeans.