Barack Obama's hometown of Chicago, Illinois will not be the host of the 2016 Olympics. The Windy City was the first to be eliminated from the list of potential host cities, followed by Tokyo, Japan. The International Olympic Committee now has to choose between Madrid, Spain and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Many were surprised by the IOC's decision, as Chicago had been considered a favorite. In fact, Chicago had been a favorite on several wagering sites ahead of the IOC's decision in Copenhagen.

Chicago had sent a large delegation of former Olympic athletes, business leaders and politicians to lobby on behalf of the city. Personal appeals by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama where also made in hopes to secure the Games.

As the announcement was made, a depressing pall fell over a packed downtown plaza filled with people sporting orange-themed t-shirts and signs rooting for Chicago.

Neither Madrid nor Rio de Janeiro has played host to the Olympics in the past. Spain has hosted the Games before, however, with Barcelona in 1992. It seems that of the two remaining contenders, Rio de Janeiro is the favorite, as no South American country has ever hosted the Olympics.