Growing up in the Windy City, I am proud to call myself a Chicagoan. Its diversity, beautiful infrastructure, and friendly “Midwest” vibe make Chicago the remarkable city that it is today. Between its neighborhood festivals, fierce competition between the Cubs and Sox, fine cuisine, breathtaking city skyline, and great shopping, museums and history, Chicago is truly a unique place.
On April 14, 2007, the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) elected Chicago as the U.S. Bid City for the 2016 Games. Chicagoans were excited and anxious to watch the Olympics from their own backyards. Mayor Richard Daley fought for the Olympic host title, claiming that hosting the 2016 Summer Games would “transform the city’s worldwide reputation.” Obama gave a heartfelt speech about how honored he would be if the 2016 Olympic Games were hosted in the one and only place that he is able to call home. After two years, Chicago was finally crossing the finish line. However, on Friday, October 2, 2009, Chicago was the first city eliminated in the first round of voting for the 2016 Olympics. Instead, Brazil’s Rio de Janiero was chosen to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.
So much for that introduction…
As a dedicated Chicagoan, I must admit that I was distraught when I heard the voting results. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula de Silva argued to the delegates of the International Olympic Committee that as opposed to the U.S., Spain, and Japan, Brazil has never hosted the Olympic and Paralympics Games before. Although Lula’s argument does hold some truth, unfortunately, life isn’t always fair.
Truth be told, Rio de Janiero made the same argument years ago in an effort to host the 2007 Pan American Games. They claimed that they were the only country to have not hosted the Pan American Games before; it was their turn. If that isn’t enough, Brazil was also selected to host the 2014 World Cup, a competitive soccer event. Clearly they have hosted multiple events. Sadly enough, almost two years have passed since Brazil was picked as the host for the Cup, yet the twelve stadiums have yet to be started on their construction.
As if you can’t tell already, I strongly believe that Chicago should have become the host of the 2016 Olympic Games. Chicago is home to diversity, openness, and warmth. The Games pride themselves on their ability to unite all people despite their race, religion, nationality, or culture to come together and compete in one shared event. Not to mention, considering that America’s very own Barack Obama is from Chicago, the Games would have significant meaning if they were to be in Chicago. In addition, many other noteworthy politicians were born in Chicago, including John Ashcroft, Rod Blagojevich, James Borow, James Bowler, Wesley Clark, Hilary Rodham Clinton, Richard Daley, Stephen Douglas, Jesse Jackson, and Donald Rumsfeld. Without a doubt, hosting the Olympics in Chicago would have a significant impact on everyone.
Yes, Chicago has had some scandals over the past few years, between the Rod Blagojevich scandal, the follow-up scandal with Roland Burris, and the privatization of parking meters. However, by hosting the Olympics, Chicago could have improved the way they are globally perceived.
If hosted in Chicago, the Olympic Games would have united all global citizens, given significant meaning to many people around the world, and provided Chicago with a new title. Call me biased, but Chicago is my kind of town.
Better luck next time, Chicago.
—Danielle Portugal is a freshman in the College of Arts and Science. She can be reached at danielle.t.portugal@vanderbilt.edu.
