On October 2nd, 2009, the International Olympic Committee elected Rio de Janeiro as the winning host for the 2016 Summer Games, over fellow candidates Madrid, Tokyo, and Chicago.
That voted ensured that the games would reside in South America for the 1st time, an important step in the goal of increased global exposure and diversity, and a tribute to the growing confidence and stature that Brazil and South America carries in today's minds. Or at least in 2009's minds, as today, as there always are with approaching host cities, significant concerns on construction, funding, and popular support. Call it wishful thinking, but as an eternal Olympic fan, I remain hopeful and positive on the Games' readiness, likening it to the panic ahead of Athens in '04, which turned out to be fairly well-run and successful.
As for the other candidates today, one has to feel a bit for Madrid. Madrid lost the 1972 bid to Munich, the 2012 bid to London, the 2016 bid, and the 2020 bid to Tokyo, after what was generally considered a sound proposal. After four losses, Madrid is probably licking its wounds in retrospection before attempting again. I'm a fan of Madrid, and can envision a strong Games there, so we'll have to see what happens ahead of 2028 and down the line with any future attempts.
That voted ensured that the games would reside in South America for the 1st time, an important step in the goal of increased global exposure and diversity, and a tribute to the growing confidence and stature that Brazil and South America carries in today's minds. Or at least in 2009's minds, as today, as there always are with approaching host cities, significant concerns on construction, funding, and popular support. Call it wishful thinking, but as an eternal Olympic fan, I remain hopeful and positive on the Games' readiness, likening it to the panic ahead of Athens in '04, which turned out to be fairly well-run and successful.
As for the other candidates today, one has to feel a bit for Madrid. Madrid lost the 1972 bid to Munich, the 2012 bid to London, the 2016 bid, and the 2020 bid to Tokyo, after what was generally considered a sound proposal. After four losses, Madrid is probably licking its wounds in retrospection before attempting again. I'm a fan of Madrid, and can envision a strong Games there, so we'll have to see what happens ahead of 2028 and down the line with any future attempts.
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