Chicago and Tokyo were both eliminated in the race to stage the Games in seven years time.

The US city went out in the first round of voting in Copenhagen, while the Japanese city exited in round two.

Chicago's early departure was a major shock, as it had been considered one of the bookies' favourites.

He and his wife, first lady Michelle Obama, had made personal appeals on behalf of their hometown.

Speaking about Chicago's early exit, senior Australian IOC member Kevan Gosper suggested Asian voters may have banded together for Tokyo in the first round, at the US city's expense.

"I'm shocked," Mr Gosper said. "The whole thing doesn't make sense other than there has been a stupid bloc vote."

( Source : Sky News )