Rio de Janeiro has won the race to host the 2016 Olympics.The Brazilian city comfortably defeated Madrid in the final round of voting by the International Olympic Committee in Copenhagen.

Chicago, surprisingly eliminated early when they ended up finishing last out of the four bids in the first round of voting.

Tokyo were then knocked out in the second round.

Comfortable victory

Rio won out by a distance in the end, polling 66 votes to 32, to send the summer Games to South America. It will the first time that any South American country host the Olympic games.

Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was there to witness the announcement having pleaded for South America to be given their chance.

He stressed the government would provide the strongest of financial guarantees for what he feels will be a “magical moment” for the entire continent.

“For South America, it will be a magical moment. For the Olympic Movement, it will be an opportunity to feel the warmth of our people, the exuberance of our culture, the sun of our joy.”