I remember way back in 1997 when Rio was making their first real push for consideration for the 2004 Olympics. I remember how excited the public was, from the children to the elderly. The airwaves were flooded with propaganda, the streets teaming with t-shirt wearing youth advertising this dream of Brazil's. I remember thinking that it was a reach for them to think that up against other cities such as Tokyo and Athens, it would be almost impossible for them to win. Still, over the years, the public kept this dream in their hearts. The president, Lula, made a good case when he reminded everyone that the olympics had never been held in South America, much less Brazil, the fifth largest country in the world. Maybe this was the tipping point that pushed the judges in their favor. I am very happy that this dream has come true for the Brazilian people, they deserve it, and maybe now will improve their image on a global scale.
