2016 Olympics in Rio

With supporters in the four potential candidate cities watching the vote live on large public viewing monitors, each of the three rounds of voting left one city disappointed. In the end only the Brazilians were celebrating.

Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo were the four candidates in the running to earn the host city bid for the 2016 Olympics. After representatives from all four host candidate cities made final pitches on behalf of their cities, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) convened in Copenhagen to vote on a decision.

Close voting in early rounds

The city of Chicago, supported in its bid by a personal visit to Copenhagen by former Chicago resident Barack Obama, was eliminated from contention in the first round of voting. The city was believed to be a favorite before the decision but picked up just 18 votes in the first round, compared to 28 for Madrid, 26 for Rio de Janeiro, and 22 for Tokyo. After failing to establish a clear majority, Chicago was eliminated and another vote was held.

In the second round, the process was repeated, as Tokyo was eliminated with 20 votes compared to Rio de Janeiro's 49 and Madrid's 29. A final round of voting was called to decide between Madrid and Rio de Janeiro.

The final tally was 66 votes for Rio de Janeiro and 32 for Madrid.

Following an hour's delay after the final vote to prepare the presentation ceremony, IOC President Jacques Rogge took the stage and opened a sealed envelope, revealing Rio de Janeiro as the host city for 2016. This marks the first time a South American city has been selected to host the Olympics.

mz/Reuters/AFP
Editor: Andreas Illmer