Experts peg Chicago as front-runner for 2016 Olympics, right on

June 3rd, 2008 | Posted by PostmanR

If you’re the kind of person that believes in Internet ranking systems — and of course you do, because it’s the Web and everything is always correct! — you may be exalting in joy over the news that Chicago looks to be the favorite for the 2016 Olympics, as the IOC is parsing down more hopefuls today.

Analysts at aroundtherings.com, which closely covers the business of the Olympic games, put Chicago tied with Rio de Janeiro. The rankings are based on interviews and technical assessments of the bids.

Chicago has the Web site’s edge over Rio in existing infrastructure and its venue plan to keep most of the contests in the central city. Rio’s strengths: its organizing team and “ability to connect with IOC members,” editor Ed Hula said.

Another Web publication, gamesbids.com, shows Chicago narrowly ahead of Tokyo, based on a computer program that matches proposals with winners of previous Olympic host contests.

Yes, gamesbid.com uses a computer program. It’s probably like PECOTA, but for nominal Olympic rankings. I except Fire Joe Morgan to have a dissertation on its merits by the end of the business day Thursday.

For as much  gripe as there’s been about the city being an absolute commuter and logistical mess during the Olympics, it’s still the Olympics. (I can just blog from home all day, right?) And I’ve decided that whatever baggage that comes along with it I’ll be OK with. (Except a terrorist attack. That might not be so great.)

So yes, minus a bombing,  I’m 100 percent for the Olympics. Do work, Cha-city.