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Scorched By the Torch: Chicago and the loss of the 2016 Olympics
Scorched By the Torch
Chicago and the loss of the 2016 Olympics
© 2009 by John D. Moore www.mychicagotherapist.com
Chicago – it’s my kind of town. It is also my home town.
The manner by which Chicago lost its bid at hosting the 2016 Olympic Games seemed too cruel a fate for a city as dynamic and generous as ours. None of what happened or how it went down seemed real. A true, herculean effort was put forth by Chicago’s Mayor to capture and then bring home the ancient torch for the United States, replete with an accompaniment of All Star Boosters – President Obama, the First Lady and even Oprah. Think about it for a second. Didn’t the final days leading up to Copenhagen have you believing that victory was within close grasp?
But this was not to be as Chicago and its citizens painfully found out how quickly dreams can be scorched when reaching for the Olympic Torch.
A little background
Most folks in the “City of Big Shoulders” were rather blasé about the prospect of the 2016 games in the months preceding the Copenhagen stunner. Some recent public polling suggested that only half of the city’s residents even wanted the games. This disconnect that many Chicagoans had may in part have been due to the city’s long history of getting its hopes high, only to be crushingly let down at a final, critical moment. I won’t go through the litany here except to say Cubs and Bears.
Hopes were high the last two weeks
But something changed in the hearts and minds of the city’s residents during the final two weeks leading up to Denmark. If you listened closely, folks started to dream out loud that maybe – just maybe, Chicago would be chosen as the host city. You could hear it in the conversations all around the city, from the north side to the south side, in cafes and restaurants and at bus stops and train stations. Even the Olympic naysayers who were sceptical of the games could be quietly heard changing their tune. “If it helps the city, why not I guess – it would kind of be nice” and “I used to not care but for some reason I do now.” Like I said, hearts and minds were changing.
The night before the announcement in Europe, the atmosphere had reached a fevered pitch, with several local news outlets all but reporting that Chicago “had it in the bag” For a brief, magical moment, it seemed 2016 was ours! Some talked of new jobs that would come to the city. Others spoke of an increase in tourism. I dreamed that Chicago would finally be able to dump its unofficial title as the “Second City”.
Then came the morning of October 2, 2009 – the day we were scorched by the torch.
I had just walked into the gym around 10:30 CST and noticed a small but vocal group of supporters huddled around a television set watching WGN News. Spirits were high with boisterous cheers that sounded something like this, “Come on Chicago you can do it!” and “Please pick us!” Excited, I joined the group to watch the split screen image: enthusiastic Chicago Olympic bid supporters in Daley Plaza on the left side. The expressionless International Olympic Committee on the right. Filled with hopeful anticipation, our little group remained glued to the set.
Then in a flash, joyful hope gave way to shock.
The decision was announced that Chicago would not be continuing on to the next round of votes. “We are out – just like that?”, said the person standing next to me in a whispered voice. It was true, we didn’t even get to make it to the second round of voting. We were just plain out. The once happy faces gathered in Daley Plaza were now expressing looks of horror, with some cupping hands over their mouths as if to capture their words of disbelief. A giant cloud of WTF had gathered over the city. News reporters had a difficult time keeping their voices from trembling as they tried to articulate the scathing rebuke by the International Olympic Committee. And the scene around me at the gym turned somber. Folks just couldn’t believe that this was how a three year push for the Olympic bid would end – down in flames.
A few lessons that can be learned from Chicago’s failed Olympic bid
1. Like they say on the south side – “It don’t mean jack until it’s in your hand!
2. You cannot win if you don’t compete.
3. Don’t buy into media hype
4. Be prepared to win but never assume anything is ever “in the bag”.
5. When push comes to shove, Chicagoans put aside their disagreements and stand shoulder to shoulder to support a greater good.
Upon reflection, Chicago doesn’t have to play second to any city. We can still hold our heads high for our many collective contributions. After all, we are the “birthplace of modern architecture” and last time I checked, that doesn’t sound like second or third. The truth is the Bears have won a Super Bowl and the White Sox have won a World Series. The Bulls had an extended period of time in the sun and the Cubs … well we remain hopeful.
No Rio De Janerio Blues Here
There isn’t a person I have talked to since losing the bid that isn’t happy for Rio. I certainly am. And so congratulations Rio for winning a well deserved position on the Olympic map. We wish you and Brazil only the best.
Conclusion
Yes it is true – we were scorched by the tortch. It is painful and sad. But we also beat out four other U.S. cities on our quest the bid: Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. That alone is something to be proud about. Now is the time to ask ourselves what we can learn from this experience. Perhaps in our loss, we can contextualize its meaning by exploring the lessons learned.
About the Author
John D. Moore, Ph.D. is co-founder and CEO of 2nd Story Counseling and Consultants in Chicago. www.mychicagotherapist.com
Recent grad job hunting in chicago, how can I find a job?
In chicago and need serious help. I earned my b.a. in communications in december 2006 and have been job hunting in the chicago area to no avail. I’ve posted my resume on monster and careerbuilder. I researched and applied to countless numbers of positions to companies based in the chicago area, sent inquiries and went to staffing agencies, and I have found NOTHING.
On my resume I have three internships directly related to: public relations, advertising, media relations, event coordinating, television production and digital media. Aside from the internships I have two jobs which are quite different from one another, one as a resident assistant and the other as a sales supervisor for a retail store.
At this point I’m looking for anything where anyone is willing to interview that does NOT INCLUDE DOOR TO DOOR OR PHONE SALES, unless of course it is for a non-profit company. Any suggestions?
I agree with respondent CD’s answer that you should try an employment/recruitment agency for initially part time work and then perhaps permanent [at insurance agencies and banks]. Out of curiosity, did your college/university provide any job referral/counseling services, and if not, why not take advantage of that service.
With your communication skills, especially competence in English speaking and writing, you might want to look into seeking a proof-reader’s job at law firms; technical engineering firms; and ad agencies. There’s a great need for proof and copy readers, especially at newspapers and magazine publications.
Good luck!
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