Loss Disappointing, But Worth It, Leaders Say

2020 bid unlikely, mayor says

President Barack Obama is "disappointed" Chicago missed getting the 2016 Olympic Games but doesn't regret putting so much on the line to argue for it, his chief spokesman said Friday.

Robert Gibbs said Obama learned the news while watching TV alone in his quarters on the presidential jet.

Rep. Bobby Rush:

"As I reflect on the stunning loss of Chicago’s heartfelt bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games, I believe that today’s action is just the latest example of the cultural breach that still exists between the United States and several leaders of the global community of nations.  Today’s vote by the IOC members reflects the tattered relationships that remain after eight years of the catastrophic reign of the Bush Administration.  It will obviously take some time for the Obama Administration to continue its important work to repair that breach.

"At the same time, I am very proud of the effort put forth by President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, Chicago 2016 Chairman Pat Ryan and the sterling team they assembled.  I also applaud the impassioned efforts of our President, the First Lady, Valerie Jarrett and members of the administration.  If there’s a silver lining in this cloud of disappointment it’s my urgent hope that Chicago’s corporate and civic leadership will join me in a reinvigorated commitment to use the focus, the brilliance and the sheer grit and determination that inspired our Olympic bid to stop the insane level of violence among our youth.  Doing right by our young people must now be the top priority of our business and civic leadership."

"I believe we must focus, right now, on those young people who need to be inspired and reconnected to the Olympic ideal of opportunity, spirited competition and the benefit of accepting victory, or defeat, with the understanding that they gave it their very best.  If that’s the legacy of this monumental endeavor, then I say it was well worth it."

President Barack Obama:

"One of the things that I think is most valuable about sports is that you can play a great game and still not win.  And so although I wish that we had come back with better news from Copenhagen, I could not be prouder of my hometown of Chicago, the volunteers who were involved, Mayor Daley, the delegation and the American people for the extraordinary bid that we put forward.
 
I do want to congratulate Rio de Janeiro and the nation of Brazil for winning the 2016 Olympics.  I think this is a truly historic event, as these will be the first Olympic Games ever to be held in South America.  And as neighbors in the Americas, as friends to the Brazilian people, we welcome this extraordinary sign of progress, and the fact that the 2016 Games will be in the Americas.  I had a chance to talk to President Lula and gave him a hearty congratulations and told him that our athletes will see him on the field of competition in 2016."

Mayor Richard Daley:

"I'm disappointed but you go on with your life.  It's already in this hemisphere, with Rio, and it would not make sense for an American city to try again in 2020. It's in this hemisphere and they have to move somewhere else."

Chicago 2016:

"Thanks to all of the supporters of Chicago 2016 in the city and around the world. Thanks also to the International Olympic Committee for giving us the opportunity to compete against these world-class cities on the world stage. While we were not fortunate enough to be selected as Host City, Chicago has won in many other ways."

Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn:

"While we are understandably disappointed, we should not be discouraged by today’s outcome. Chicago’s bid was a great example of effort, energy and teamwork. People from across our state came together in an unprecedented manner to support this excellent bid. Going forward, we must apply what was learned from this process and continue to make Chicago and Illinois even stronger and better."

Sen. Roland Burris:

"Chicago is a world-class city and a global leader in art, culture, architecture, commerce, sports, and even cuisine. We can all be proud of our city and how far we have come in this rigorous process. I would like to thank Mayor Richard Daley, the Chicago 2016 Committee, the U.S. Olympic Committee, and of course President and Mrs. Obama for all of their hard work in support of Chicago’s Olympic bid."

Pat Ryan, Chicago 2016 CEO

"It was absolutely worth -- I don't want to call it trouble, let say -- we introduced Chicago to the world, and Chicago is so much better known today and appreciated and respected all around the world, and so Chicagoans can hold their heads high. We're sorry we didn't bring home a victory, but there's only one gold medal winner," said Chicago 2016 Pat Ryan after Chicago was eliminated from the process, but before a victor was announced. "It was absolutely worth -- I don't want to call it trouble, let say -- we introduced Chicago to the world, and Chicago is so much better known today and appreciated and respected all around the world, and so Chicagoans can hold their heads high. We're sorry we didn't bring home a victory, but there's only one gold medal winner."

Bob Ctvrtlik, Member USOC's Vice Chair of International Relations:

"We are deeply disappointed. It was -- it is a strong bid. I think if you went around the IOC membership, they would say it's a strong bid. But at the same time, the first round of voting, always in these races, is tricky sometimes people are voting with loyalty, sometimes it's continental and you know, as an American city, especially having a bid in the Americas, a South American bid, we don't have a natural constituency."

Chicago Urban League:

"The success of Rio in the race for the 2016 Olympic Games in no way diminishes the extraordinary efforts by Chicago's bid committee."

Contact Us