This summer, Philadelphia lost its chance to host the summer Olympics.
On July 26, the United States Olympic Committee eliminated the City of Brotherly Love, along with Houston, from its list of potential U.S. cities for the 2016 Summer Games, leaving just Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco in the running for America's nomination.
It was the city's first bid for the Olympics.
However, all isn't lost - the selection process may help show city officials what changes are necessary in order to attract more national and international competitions.
"While we are disappointed with the USOC's decision, we are also enormously proud as Philadelphians to have made it to the second round of a competition for hosting the most prestigious sporting event in the world in our first-ever bid to attract the Olympics to Philadelphia," said Dawn Staley, Joseph Torsella and David Cohen, co-chairs of the committee spearheading the failed bid.
Yet the decision didn't come as a surprise to the many people who had worked and hoped for the Olympics to come to Philadelphia. They cited crime, congestion and a lack of amenities as factors behind the decision.
Major changes would be needed in the city before it can be the host of a large-scale competition like the Olympics.
By trying for 2016, Philadelphia did however increase the likelihood of it hosting other international and national events. Peter Ueberroth, chairman of the USOC, explained in a press conference that Philadelphia will continue to be considered in the future.
"Though they will not be a part of this process moving forward, we are committed to a continued partnership with both Houston and Philadelphia to bring key national and international events to their cities," he said. "Both have shown attributes that would surely benefit national governing bodies and international sport federations seeking to put on a first-class event in a premier U.S. city."
The United States' bid - if it makes one - will be selected this December, and the international selection will come in December 2009.
