Blame It On Rio: Chicago’s Olympic Flame Snuffed

Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

A crowd gathers in Chicago’s Daley Plaza Friday, October 2, 2009, to await word from Copenhagen on which city will host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Unfortunately for the city, and to the surprise of many, Chicago is the first of four cities to be eliminated for consideration. The International Olympic Committee instead awards hosting duties to Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

Newscom/Alex Garcia/Chicago Tribune

First lady Michelle Obama arrives in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Sept. 30, to work with other Chicago luminaries and politicos in an effort to win the Olympic bid.

Newscom/Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune

The First Lady greets gymnast Nadia Comaneci, her husband gymnast Bart Connor, left, Paralympic athlete Linda Mastandrea, center-right , and other former Olympians before the Chicago 2016 Dinner in Copenhagen.
From left to right in the background; athletes Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Bob Berland, David Robinson, Dr. Edwin Moses and Mike Conley.

White House/Chuck Kennedy

Oprah Winfrey arrives for the IOC’s opening ceremony at the Opera House in Copenhagen on Oct. 1.

Newscom/Sipa Press

Danish Queen Margrethe, with Prince Consort Henrik, welcome the First Couple to Christiansborg Palace during the presentation of Chicago’s bid.

Newscom/Zumawire

IOC members and press gather in preparation for Chicago’s final presentation at the Bella Center in Copenhagen on Oct. 2.

Newscom/Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune

Ballet dancers perform at the IOC opening ceremony.

Newscom/UPI Photo/Archie Carpenter

An avid supporter of Chicago’s bid watches the IOC vote results come at Daley Plaza. Chicago got the least votes, followed by Tokyo.

Newscom/UPI/Mark Cowan

Obama takes the podium after his wife makes her address to the IOC at the Bella Center in Copenhagen.

Newscom/Zumawire

Obama is thanked by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley after his speech during Chicago’s final bid presentation at the Bella Center.

Newscom/Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune

Daley, with Chicago 2016’s Doug Arnot, right, talk to reporters after Chicago’s presentation.

Newscom/Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune

Spectators in Chicago’s Daley Plaza are shocked after hearing word from Copenhagen that Chicago was eliminated.

Newscom/Alex Garcia/Chicago Tribune

The First Couple wave goodbye to Copenhagen after making their final presentation. The Obamas were informed of the vote, which happened later in the day, while en route to Washington.

Newscom/DPA Photos

The Obamas greet Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal and his wife, Annie, aboard Air Force One in Copenhagen on Oct. 2.

Whitehouse/Pete Souza

The President and Gen. McChrystal, commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, hold a meeting on Air Force One. McChrystal had been in London and flew to Copenhagen to meet with Obama.

Newscom/Pete Souza/ The White House

Latest News
Comments
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Associate Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: