2016 Olympics awarded to Rio de Janeiro
Posted: Fri Oct 2, 2009 5:55 pm
Rio de Janeiro has won the race to host the 2016 Olympics.
The Brazilian city edged out Madrid in the final round of voting by the International Olympic Committee in Copenhagen.
Chicago, the odds-on favourites, were surprisingly eliminated early, finishing last of the four bids in the first round of voting by 95 eligible members.
Not even an appearance from President Barack Obama, who flew out to to the Danish capital to help push his hometown's case, could sway the IOC.
Tokyo were then knocked out in the second round, leaving Madrid and Rio de Janeiro to battle it out in the closest race in recent Olympic history.
Rio's victory means for the first time the summer Games will take place in South America.
Source: Skysports
