British Olympic team promise to give Rio 2016 all the help they need

From James Toney, Sportsbeat, in Copenhagen

BRITISH Olympic Association officials were among the first to congratulate Rio de Janeiro following their election as host city of the 2016 Olympic Games.

International Olympic Committee officials gave a ringing endorsement to the first South American city to stage the Games - giving them a two vote to one victory over Madrid in the final round of voting.

Favourites Chicago were shock eliminated in the first round, followed by Toyko but President Obama insisted he had no regrets about his decision to attend the vote.

And BOA chief executive Andy Hunt pledged to give Rio any help they needed, with London staging the next Summer Games in 2012.

"We have been lucky enough to be the host National Olympic Committee for Olympic Games three times and we would be happy to share our experience and knowledge with the Brazilian Olympic Committee, any time they need it," he said.

"It is four years since we won the bid for the 2012 Olympic Games so we know what an exciting and busy time now lies ahead.

"I am sure that Rio de Janeiro will host a superb Olympic and Paralympic Games for the athletes of the world.

"I wish Rio de Janiero the best of luck over the coming years in their preparations and look forward to having Team GB compete there in 2016."

AS IT HAPPENED : Today's 2016 Olympic host city presentations and vote, from Sportsbeat's James Toney and Gerard Meagher in Copenhagen