Tokyo, Chicago eliminated - 2016 Olympics bid

President Barack Obama learnt a harsh lesson about the politics of sport today after Chicago made a shock early exit in the race to become the host of the 2016 Olympics - and Rio de Janeiro emerged triumphant.

The members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) delivered a clear message to the American President and his wife that their 8,000-mile journey to court their vote in person had been a waste of time.

In the first round of voting in Copenhagen to decide among the four bidding cities, it was Chicago and not Tokyo that fell out of contention, leaving Rio de Janeiro and Madrid to fight out the Latin vote in a gripping finale.

Brazilian delegates leapt into the air with delight as IOC president Jacques Rogge announced their victory, but the scene was in sharp contrast to the stunned silence among the crowd gathered in Daley plaza in Chicago to celebrate what they expected to be a runaway victory. It symbolised the unbelieving reaction of America that the IOC members could deliver such a public humiliation.

It is the biggest international setback yet for President Obama’s administration and the IOC dragged him halfway across the world to deliver it at a crucial time for his domestic agenda.

He and the First Lady, who both put themselves personally on the line to address the IOC, had not even landed back in Washington when the fate of the Chicago bid was sealed.

The reaction in the US was one of stunned disbelief. Cable news channels carried live footage of a massive and expectant crowd in Chicago's Daley Plaza greeting the news with silence. Within minutes thousands were streaming for the exits. It was in total contrast to Mr Obama's joyous election night rally.

News anchors expressed utter surprise at Chicago's dismal showing. They all described their firm belief that the contest - after Mr Obama's intervention - would be between his home town and Rio.

The close contest had earlier become a battle of rhetoric between Mr Obama and President Lula da Silva of Brazil to convince 106 IOC members of their worth in hosting the world’s largest sports event.