Chicago first to go as Madrid and Rio set to battle for 2016 Olympics

From James Toney and Gerard Meagher, Sportsbeat, in Copenhagen

PRESIDENT Barack Obama should have stayed in the White House - as Chicago fell at the first hurdle in the race to stage the 2016 Summer Olympics.

NO THANKS MR PRESIDENT: Barack Obama's charms didn't work on the IOC as Chicago were eliminated in the first round of voting

Heavy favourites before President Obama touched down in the Danish capital, Chicago received the least number of votes in the first ballot and were promptly sent on their way.

Tokyo were the next to fall, ensuring a two-horse race between Rio and Madrid will decide who stages the 2016 Olympics.

The whims of the IOC’s members when it comes to these elections have often defied logic.

But you’d have struggled to find a single seasoned observer to claim that Chicago would receive the least votes of the four candidates.

As Olympic shocks go this would be up there with Eric the Eel beating Michael Phelps.

The bid was technically sound but a number of factors could have counted against it – with headlines about a lack of public support in Chicago concerning many Olympic officials.

Obama's late decision to travel to Denmark, after he earlier said he'd stay away, may not have been so inspired.

Other world leaders in attendance spent time talking one-on-one with IOC members, Obama arrived simply in blur of flashing Secret Service lights, gave a speech, and then headed back to the airport.

The news will be a blow for Obama, who listened to the result on Air Force One as he returned to Washington following his flying visit to Copenhagen.

It was also his first high-profile election defeat since he was defeated by Congressman Bobby Rush in a Democratic primary for the House of Representatives nine years ago.

IOC President Jacques Rogge made the announcement to a hushed hall at the Bella Centre - Obama might be the leader of the free world but in these circles, Rogge is the only Mr President that matters.

Bid leader Patrick Ryan put a brave face on defeat but Chicago mayor Richard Daley, who has invested much political capital in the decision, appeared stunned.

New US Olympic Commitee chairman Larry Probst looked furious as he and acting chief executive Stephanie Streeter stalked away.

Asked for a comment, he said: "Not right now. A little later. When we've had a chance to huddle."

Presidential advisor David Axelrod, when asked about Obama's feelings, said: "I have no regrets and I know he doesn't.

"It was well worth the effort."

Mrs Obama has spent the last 48 hours in Copenhagen, pressing the flesh for her hometown and she delivered an impressive and emotional rallying call earlier this morning.

Chicago's final presentation was slick and professional but, perhaps, there was just a bit too much saccharine sentimentality for hard-bitten IOC officials.

Thousands got up before breakfast to listen to the vote in Chicago and mass moans and angry heckling was heard, when the result was announced at a large public event in Daley Plaza.

However, the elimination of Tokyo in the second round of voting was no surprise.

Their final presentation was the most lacklustre although they defended their decision to deliver their case in English, which, while creditable, caused some of their passion to be lost in translation.

Chicago's failure to convince IOC members, coupled with a lack of inspiration for Tokyo, ensures it is Madrid who will now do battle with Rio.

The Brazilian city, bidding to become the first South American city to host the Games, remains an attractive propostion even now is not necessarily the best time in financial terms to enter into uncharted territory.

But do not doubt Juan Antonio Samaranch's influence in IOC circles. He made a heartfelt wish to the voting members to grant him one last wish and give the Games to Madrid - it may yet still be granted.