Brazil wins the race to host 2016 Olympics

Rio de Janeiro was chosen to host the 2016 Olympic Games yesterday. They first entered the picture as serious contenders when they were chosen by the IOC as one of the four final bidders in June 2008. Brazilian Sports Minister Orlando Silva greeted the news by saying Rio could guarantee the best venues, the best transportation and athletes' security.

People were ecstatic and celebrated at the Copacabana beach when the announcement was made by IOC president Jacques Rogge in Denmark that Brazil won the race to host the 2016 Olympics, beating Madrid in the final round of voting. It will be the first time the Games will be held in South America.

"Cariocas", as local residents are known, jumped and cheered in a Carnival-like atmosphere at the famous Brazilian attraction.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said: "All those people who thought we had no ability to govern this country will now learn that we can host the Olympics.
"There is a lot of work ahead of us and we will start working early. "The Brazilian people are good, generous and the country deserves it. The world has recognized that the time has come for Brazil."

Many residents hope life in Rio will improve considerably when the Olympics reach the city.

"Everyone's hope is for security and transportation to improve in the city, because the daily life of the carioca is very difficult," said Ricardo Chaves, a 47-year-old accountant.

Athlete Denise Lewis, who won gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, said giving it to Rio was the right decision.

She told Sky News: "I think it is fantastic. Every Olympiad, you want the Olympic movement to move forward and venture into uncharted territory."

In the final round of voting, Rio polled 66 votes, compared to 32 for Madrid.

Chicago and Tokyo were both eliminated in the race to stage the Games in seven years time.

The US city went out in the first round of voting in Copenhagen, while the Japanese city exited in round two.

Chicago's early departure was a major shock, as it had been considered one of the bookies' favorites.

President Barack Obama had even flown to Denmark to push for the US bid.

He and his wife, first lady Michelle Obama, had made personal appeals on behalf of their hometown.

Speaking about Chicago's early exit, senior Australian IOC member Kevan Gosper suggested Asian voters may have banded together for Tokyo in the first round, at the US city's expense.

"I'm shocked," Mr Gosper said. "The whole thing doesn't make sense other than there has been a stupid bloc vote."

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