Report: 2016 Olympic Games Are 'Chicago's to Lose if They Don't Muck It Up'

As the Windy City works on its 2016 Summer Olympics bid, some folks in Chicago were intimidated by the lavish displays that Beijing provided: Can Chicago make a presentation that will measure up to the standard set by Beijing?

According to the Chicago Tribune, Chicago's bid is looking good.

The Tribune reports:

Chicago has emerged as the front-runner in the race for the 2016 Olympics, some insiders say, noting that the Windy City delegation's low-key, deferential approach is playing well among international sports leaders gathered here for the Summer Games.

"It's Chicago's to lose," said one member of the International Olympic Committee, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "If they don't muck it up, they should win."

Other insiders say it's too soon to call it, but acknowledge Chicago is in a position of strength. Its courteous approach is helping to dispel "ugly American" stereotypes, they say, and its downtown-oriented plan, with lakefront access for the athletes' village, is proving attractive to IOC members.

And a U.S. location draws bigger bucks from sponsors, who provide the lifeblood for the IOC.

It's that last part -- the sponsors -- that gives Chicago its best chance. American taxpayers just aren't willing to pony up for the kinds of huge expenditures that other countries make for the Olympics, but American sponsors are. Ultimately, the International Olympic Committee will choose the city that will bring in the most money, and thanks to sponsors in the United States, there's a good chance that city will be Chicago.