No Obama Effect for Chicago 2016 According to Spain

Spanish Olympic officials today said that they doubt Obama will have an impact on the 2016 Olympic race.

"I have my doubts that Obama can have such an influence" in favour of his hometown, Secretary of State for Sport Jaime Lissavetzky told a news conference. "I think that the members of the IOC are quite apolitical, even if I don't really like that word."

First of all, I think Obama will have some impact on the decision and I think it will help Chicago. However, I don't think that Obama means Chicago has it in the bag. I merely think this is a PR statement by Spain to seem confident and not show any weaknesses.

Second, I know the Madrid Olympic bid did well in the first round of evaluations. However, I have a hard time believing that they seriously have a chance to win this. Would the IOC really want to have back to back summer Olympics in Europe (London is hosting 2012)? My guess is no.

Like I've said before, Chicago's main competition in my eyes is from Rio.