Chicago shocked at early exit from Olympics

Oct 2, 2009, 15:49 GMT

US First Lady Michelle Obama (L) and US President Barack Obama (C) talk with Danish Queen Margrethe (R) in the Christiansborg Palace, Copenhagen, Denmark, 02 October 2009. Right is Danish Prince Consort Henrik. The US presidential couple are in Copenhagen to promote the candidature of their home town Chicago to host the 2016 Summer Olympics during the 121st session of the International Olympic Committee in Copenhagen. EPA/KELD

Washington - Thousands of disappointed Chicagoans streamed out of their planned public celebration Friday when their city fell out of the Olympic bidding process unexpectedly at the first round.

The Midwest US city had been widely regarded as the joint favourite with Rio de Janiero to host the 2016 bid, especially following the last minute visit to Copenhagen of US President Barack Obama.

'I am completely in shock,' said Jan Schakowsky, speaking to TV reporters from Chicago's Washington Plaza, as thousands of stunned residents headed for the exit.

Though she was shocked, she did reveal that Pat Ryan, the chairman of the Chicago bid, had been concerned that Chicago may fall at the first hurdle as delegates voted for their own continents, effectively splitting the natural base of support between Rio and Chicago.

'Pat Ryan, the chairman of the bid, had been worried about the first round where people voted for their continent - even people who on the next round would have voted for Chicago,' she said.

'I'm shocked and I bet a number of the delegates of the IOC were shocked as well. I think they thought they would have another opportunity to vote for Chicago.

'People are leaving this place so disappointed. The spirit of Chicago is really dampened and it hurts. People are really stunned.'