Chicago's Olympics bid falls short

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Chicago's bid to be the toddlin' town for 2016 Summer Olympics was dashed Friday, despite U.S. President Obama's pitch to the International Olympic Committee.

The IOC announced shortly before noon EDT Chicago didn't advance to the second round of voting by committee members meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark. The IOC later announced Rio de Janerio was selected over Madrid, Tokyo and Chicago for the 2016 games.

In pitching the Windy City, Obama said hosting "athletes and visitors from every corner of the globe is a high honor and a great responsibility." His remarks capped a presentation by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and first lady Michelle Obama.

White House senior adviser David Axelrod told CNN officials were "obviously disappointed" but Obama thought his appeal was "well worth the effort."

If Obama has an opportunity "to promote the interests of the country ... he's going to take advantage of it," Axelrod said.

The adviser said he didn't think being eliminated in the first round of voting was "a repudiation" of the United States, but an instance of a "a strong bid" not overcoming "internal currents" such as relationships between the IOC and other presenters and intense lobbying.

Obama "knew it was a very competitive situation ... and knew there were no guarantees" by making an appeal, Axelrod said.