Chicago 2016 forced to eat humble pie

 CHICAGO insist the legacy of their failed bid will live on despite a humiliating defeat in the race to stage the 2016 Summer Olympics.

NO GO: This artist impression's of Chicago 2016 will not become reality just yet

The Windy City received the least amount of votes in the first ballot from the IOC members and were duly sent packing - despite a fleeting visit from Barack Obama in Copenhagen.

The AmericanPresident's presence in the Danish capital was expected to rubber-stamp Chicago's victory - seemingly their only threat being Rio, who later beat Madrid in the final round of voting to bring the Games to South America for the first time ever.

But in a statement released less than an hour after hearing the news, bid officials said their campaign not been in vain.  

"Thanks to all of the supporters of Chicago 2016 in the city and around the world," read the statement. "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.
The city and nation united behind our bid.

"The international competition raised Chicago's profile as a world-class city. Countless businesses and philanthropic organizations helped stage events that inspired young people to engage in sport.

"And the bid's legacy organisation, World Sport Chicago, will continue to reach thousands of
youth in the years to come.

"As a direct result of the bid, more than 300,000 Chicago youth have already begun to realize the benefits of the Olympic Movement through activities and educational programmes."