Chicago Eliminated in First Round of Olympic Voting

Chicago out. Tokyo also eliminated. The winner: Rio.

Northwest Indiana officials express disappointment.

Chicago Tribune: We’ll be fine.

Bidding for an Olympiad forced Chicago, its leaders and its citizens, to focus on what works and what doesn’t. It made all of us think to the future how this city should capitalize on its assets: the lakefront, the neighborhoods, the parks–and sports and kids. This process also energized the concept of public/private partnerships here.

Chicago is a world-class city. The Olympics wouldn’t have changed that. But the games would have showcased this city for the world in a way no other event could. Now it’s up to Chicago, its leaders, citizens and businesses to achieve that at a time when competition for jobs, brains, talent and investment is as likely to come from New Delhi as New York.

It’s time to get back to what we do best: See a problem. Solve a problem. Make a buck.

Be proud, Chicago. You went for gold.

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Notes: D-Day for 2016 Olympics Announcement

Today is the big day: Will Chicago land the 2016 Olympics?

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