Chicago Skyline


 
Anyone whose anyone knows I love my town of Chicago. Even though I was born and raised in "Da' Burbs" it's still my town by heart. And I will contest, even sacrifice, to show my love for this city. So to turn on the TV to the announcement of the 2016 Olympic bid coverage, only to hear, "..and with the LEAST amount of votes, Chicago is eliminated for the 2016 Olympic bid." would be suffice to say I didn't eat lunch this day. But in perspective, it was only natural that the 2016 Olympics would be promised with a historical first.

Was it shocking to see Chicago eliminated in the first round? Yes AND No. Gut wrenching to see Chicago doesn't fair amongst elite Olympic standards with the competition of the likes of Tokyo, Madrid, & Rio De Janeiro, but to some extent, not surprising as well.




                                                                             Rio's Statue of Christ the Redeemer
 

My personal opinion, I knew it was going to be Rio simply due to the fact the Olympics never even stepped foot into South American Soil, and when the Rio De Janeiro delegation stated their case; they pleaded that the United States alone has hosted the Olympics 8 times in the entire Olympic history, and even though Chicago wasn't one of the host cities, that fact alone poses a huge statement in favor of Rio. Added to the fact that Rio is probably South America's fore-runner and model city, a one-of-a-kind in some sorts, only shows fit that they would be the first South American city to host the Olympics in 2016.

I know there are stats on how, Rio is the Kid-nap/ Murder capital of the world and that could be a major problem come 2016. Be sure that by 2016 if the stats are still true or not, Rio will have to step up to the responsibility of hosting the Olympics. I feel confident after winning the 2016 bid, Rio De Janeiro can step to the challenge. And besides, regardless of the comparisons or stats, favors and even conflicts, I congratulate Rio De Janeiro for making history. 

Should Chicago have been at least runner up in the 2016 Olympic bid? No, because politics always takes precedence over stature of significance, at least in the case of favoritism. The runner up spot would not have gone to Chicago. The runner up spot in my opinion, was given to Madrid, in hopes that former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch native of Spain, be the only thing standing in the winner's way, and his influence on the committee, would be the sole reason Madrid would be in position to win. See Politics over Significance. Should have Madrid won the bid to Host 2016? Not Really. Not to say that they don't deserve the Olympics, but Rio's significance & the fact that 2012 (London) & The 2014 Winter Olympics (Sochi, Russia) are in European countries, nullified their chances. 



                                                               Downtown Madrid (Gran Via)

 
For Chicago to lose the 2016 Olympic bid should be a sign to the entire United States, that even a city that is more than qualified to host the Olympics, and even if the cards were suppose to be stacked in our deck, we can not go on thinking that the world is going to see us as a popular choice these days. The US is stronger and better economically, and socially, than most countries, and even superior to so many more, but banking on that thought, will not let a committee decide to let another North American city host the Olympics or even world events ever again. It might be our time as a Country to quit trying to prove to the world how great we are, and start realizing that the world can be just as great.



                                               The Aquatics Venue to mimicking the Watercube used in the Bejing 2008 Games 


 
I'd probably suggest that this is where the old adage of "Live everyday like it was your last" be plugged in and suggest Chicago not to be so down that we lost, but to "IMAGINE" when Rio makes history..


 
                                                              Chicago River (Downtown)