BBC Takes Aim At 2016 Olympic Candidates

By Marcus Gilmer in Miscellaneous on Feb 12, 2009 10:40PM

The BBC has a nice little page that runs down the facts, pros, and cons of the candidates to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. They also have Chicago as the favorites to win the bidding at 11/10 odds (followed by Rio, Tokyo, and Madrid). What does the BBC say of us?

Pros: It is expected that Chicago's world-class architecture, renowned skyline, multi-cultural, historical, and pop-cultural contributions will be positive factors as the Olympics bid is weighed, while the city also boasts significant transportation infrastructure.

Although there is no official IOC rotation policy, the Americas may have an edge as previous games will have been held in Asia, Europe, and Australia: London, Beijing, Athens, and Sydney.

Cons: In a long standing dispute with the IOC, some IOC members also resent the large share of revenue taken by the United States Olympic Committee. Additionally, the controversy over the participation of Cuba in the 2006 World Baseball Classic is said to have hurt America's chances.

Really? That's all? No "struggling transit system" or "crumbling infrastructure?" Huh. Maybe we're not as bad off as we thought.