Welcome!

Welcome to the official blog of the
Chicago Metropolitan Organizing Committee (CMOC)

P.O. Box 87545 Chicago, Illinois 60680 USA
www.chicago2016.net - www.cmoc.com - Email info@cmoc.com

Scroll down for news, information and updates...

2016 Olympic Bid Update

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has announced they have narrowed the cities in consideration for a potential Olympic bid.

Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco will continue to be evaulated while Houston and Philadelphia will not move forward in this current process.

It is important to note the USOC has not yet determined if they will submit any city for consideration of the 2016 Olympic Games. That decision is not expected until later in 2006.

We believe the Chicago area has great potential for an Olympic Games and strongly support the USOC's process to evaluate all factors before making any final decision.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will choose a host for the 2016 Olympic Games in 2009.

Shani Davis Honored with World Series Champs

AP

Olympic hero, world-record speedskater and multiple medalist SHANI DAVIS from the Chicago area throws the ceremonial first pitch and is honored by thousands on Tuesday, April 4th as the World Series Champion Chicago White Sox host the Cleveland Indians at U.S. Cellular Field.

World Series Champs Chicago White Sox

The 2005 World Series Champion Chicago White Sox start the 2006 season on Sunday, April 2 at 7:05pm CT at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago against the Cleveland Indians.

2005 was a historic season and Chicago metro baseball fans around the world are looking forward to new memories.

On Sunday evening, you can watch the game live from anywhere in the world via the internet from MLB.com.

Thanks Torino!

Getty

Thanks to the thousands who prepared and participated along with the millions of spectators who watched the XXth Winter Olympic Games. Thanks to Italy and the region surrounding Torino!

:::Torino 2006
:::::::Beijing 2008
::::::::::Vancouver 2010
::::::::::::::::::London 2012

When the Athletes Come Marching In...

Getty

The athletes of the world come together at the Closing Ceremony of the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

Olympic Hero Shani Davis at the Closing Ceremony

AP

One of the Chicago area's Olympic stars Shani Davis has fans among the athletes.

One World

Getty

Torino | Andrea Bocelli at the Closing Ceremony

Getty

Andrea Bocelli performs at Closing Ceremony of the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

Stars Light Up the Torino Sky

Getty

Torino | Ricky Martin at the Closing Ceremony

Getty

Ricky Martin performs at the Closing Ceremony of the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

Torino's Closing Party

Getty

Rays of Hope

Getty

Torino Flame | Last Look

Transition | Torino to Vancouver

Getty

Sam Sullivan, the Mayor of Vancouver, takes the Olympic flag at the Closing Cermony of the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games. Vancouver will host the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

Next Winter Games | Vancouver 2010

Getty

We look forward to next Winter Olympic Games of Vancouver 2010!

Beijing will host the Summer Olympic Games in 2008.

Torino's Final Medal is Gold for Italy

Getty

In the final medal ceremony of the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games, Italy's Giorgio di Centa (center of podium) is awarded the Gold Medal for the 50km Cross Country during the Closing Ceremony at Stadio Olimpico. Eugeni Dementiev of Russia won the Silver and Mikhail Botwinov of Austria won the Bronze.

Torino | Behind the Scenes

There are many people from the Chicago area who have worked behind the scenes to help with the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games and our own efforts in one way or another, including communication, sponsors, volunteers, spectators, technical experts, bloggers and the many media (and their support teams) from our region.

We can't name everyone, but we thought we would give a couple honorary medals to Paula Faris and Rob Elgas of NBC5 Chicago (WMAQ-TV) for giving all those live reports, usually at an odd hour in Italy to keep the Chicago metropolitan area informed about the pulse of the Winter Olympic Games and the progress of our local heroes. Thanks to everyone's efforts!

Torino Closing Ceremonies Preview

Andrea Bocelli, seen above at one of the nightly concerts at the Medals Plaza, is expected to be part of the spectacular Closing Ceremonies at the XXth Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy.

Speedskater Joey Cheek, who has won multiple medals during these Winter Olympic Games, will lead the U.S. Olympic Team into the Closing Ceremonies.

U.S. viewers can watch complete coverage of the Closing Ceremonies on NBC.

Apolo Anton Ohno's Olympic Dream

Getty

Congratulations to Apolo Anton Ohno from the United States for winning the Gold Medal in Short Track Speedskating's 500m and for his dedication to pursue his Olympic dream!

Apolo's 500m Perfection

Getty

At the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games, Apolo Anton Ohno (center) of the United States wins the Gold Medal in the Men's 500m for Speedskating Short Track. Apolo blazed to what many consider one of the best performances in 500m history.

G: Apolo Anton Ohno (United States)
S: Francois-Louis Tremblay (Canada)
B: Hyun-Soo Ahn (Korea)

USA 5000m Relay Team Wins Bronze

Getty

Congratulations to the Men's 5000m Relay Team in Speedskating Short Track for winning the Bronze Medal at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games. From left to right, Alex Izykowski (#251), Apolo Anton Ohno (#254), Rusty Smith (#255) and J.P. Kepka of the United States.

Canada's Clara Hughes Jumps for Gold

Getty

Clara Hughes of Canada shows her excitement for winning the Gold Medal in the Women's 5000m Speedskating final on Day 15 of the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

Torino | Giant Slalom Final Course

Olympic Spirit at the Giant Slalom Course

Getty

Flags spread around the night crowd at the bottom of the Men's Alpine Giant Slalom Course at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

Chicago Area's Lorenzo Smith Elevates USA

Getty - Cecana Pariol, Italy

Congratulations to the Chicago area's Lorenzo Smith for being part of the top USA bobsled team at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games!

Smith's Four Man Bobsled team that finished 6th overall included pilot Steve Holcomb, Curt Tomasevicz and Bill Schuffenhauer.

Torino | 4 Man Bobsled

Getty

As the sun sets on Day 15 at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games, the 4 Man Bobsled streaks by spectators.

Julia Mancuso Blazes to Gold

AP

Congratulations to Julia Mancuso of the United States for winning the Gold Medal in the Women's Giant Slalom at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games!

Tanja Poutiainen of Finland won the Silver and Anna Ottosson of Sweden won the Bronze.

Sasha Wins Silver Medal

AP

USA's Sasha Cohen (left) wins the Silver Medal in Women's Figure Skating at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

Sasha is joined by Gold Medalist Shizuka Arakawa from Japan (center) and Bronze Medalist Irina Slutskaya from Russia (right).

Shani Davis Silver Medal

AP

Women Bobsled Medalists

AP

The 2 Woman Bobled medalists include Valerie Fleming and Shauna Rohbock of the United States (left) who won the Silver, along with Germany's Anja Schniderheinze and Sandra Kirasis with the Gold, and Italy's Jennifer Isacco and Gerda Weissensteiner with the Bronze at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

Shani Davis Wins Silver and Everyone Wins!

AP

Congratulations to the Chicago area's Shani Davis for winning the Silver Medal in Speedskating's 1500m race at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games!

Shani, who previously won the Gold Medal in the 1000m, finished 0.16 seconds behind Italy's Enrico Fabris. Chad Hedrick (USA) finished 3rd and won the Bronze.

The intensely competitive race where hundredths of a second separated each other featured several medal winners, including USA's Joey Cheek who finished 9th, USA's Derek Parra who won the Gold at Salt Lake and other medalists in Torino.

G: Enrico Fabris (Italy)
S: Shani Davis (United States)
B: Chad Hedrick (United States)

Congratuations to everyone for their efforts and success!

Congratulations to Italy's Enrico Fabris

Reuters

Chicago area's Shani Davis congratulates Italy's Enrico Fabris, who had a blazing last lap to capture the Gold for the 1500m at Torino, just 0.16 seconds ahead of Shani Davis.

This is the third medal for Fabris, who has made the Italian hosts very happy and insures the ceremony to come at the Medals Plaza will be very crowded.

The New Speed Racer

Reuters

Chicago area's Shani Davis, shown above at the 1500m race, demonstrates technical expertise combined with speed. Shani previously had the World Record in the 1500m and currently has the World Record in the 1000m, which he won the Gold.

Shani Davis Ends 1500m With Smile and Silver

Reuters

Chicago area's Shani Davis with a smile after just finishing his race that gives him the Silver Medal in the 1500m, just behind Italy's Enrico Fabris and ahead of USA's Chad Hedrick.

Sasha Leads the Way

Getty

The popular women's figure skating competition has begun at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games and USA's Sasha Cohen takes the lead in the short program.

Torino Welcomes Emily Hughes

Getty

Emily Hughes, who replaced Michelle Kwan on the U.S. team, performs at the short program at the XXth Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy. Emily's sister Sarah won the Gold at Salt Lake 2002.

News Alert ::: Shani Davis Wins Silver Medal!

(Torino) Chicago's Shani Davis has won the Silver Medal at the Men's 1500m speedskating race, just 0.16 seconds behind Italy's Enrico Fabris, who won the Gold Medal.

Shani Davis beat Chad Hedrick, who won the Bronze. This is Shani's second medal after winning the Gold for the 1000m.

G: Enrico Fabris (ITA)
S: Shani Davis (USA)
B: Chad Hedrick (USA)

USA's Joey Cheek, who won the Gold in the 500m, finished 9th. Former Salt Lake 2002 winner for the Gold, Derek Parra (USA), finished 19th.

For viewers in the United States, please see NBC's primetime coverage tonight.

Ben Agosto and Tanith Belbin Win 1st USA Ice Dancing Medal in 30 Years!

Getty

For the first time in 30 years, the United States has an ice dancing team that is getting a medal. Chicago area's Ben Agosto and new American partner Tanith Belbin won the Silver Medal in Ice Dancing at the XXth Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy.

2005 World Champions Tatyana Navka and Roman Kostomarov from Russia won the Gold, followed by Yelena Grushina and Ruslan Goncharov of Ukraine for the Bronze.

Chicago area's Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov finished 14th while USA's Jamie Silverstein and Ryan O'Meara finished 16th.

Congratulations!

USA Women's Hockey Wins Bronze

Getty

USA Women's Hockey wins the Bronze Medal after defeating Finland!

Team Canada Wins Women's Ice Hockey Gold

Reuters

Team Canada wins the Gold in Women's Ice Hockey after defeating Sweden at the 2006 Torino Winter Olympic Games.

Room With a View

Getty

The backdrop of the Olympic Village in Bardonecchia, Italy.

Rising Stars | Ben Agosto and Tanith Belbin

Getty

Chicago area's Ben Agosto and Tanith Belbin light up the Italian ice with a great performance moving to 2nd place from 6th place prior to the final night of competition.

Melissa Gregory, from the Chicago area, and Denis Petukhov, improved from 15th place to 14th for original dance in the highly competitive field.

Magical Medal Moments

AP

Thousands from across the world gather under snowflakes at the Medals Plaza in Torino, including the ceremony for Gold Medalist Shani Davis and Silver Medalist Joey Cheek, both from the United States.

On the Podium

AP

Speedskating Gold Medalist Shani Davis is joined at the Medal Ceremony by USA's Joey Cheek (left) who recieved the Silver and Erben Wennemars (right) of the Netherlands, who got the Bronze.

The Dutch later got the Gold in the Women's 1000m race with Marianne Timmer's victory.

Gold Medal Speaks Louder than Words

AP

We agree with Shani Davis. The Gold Medal speaks for itself.

Congratulations to Shani's supporters and friends from Evanston to the south side of Chicago to the region and people all over the world who have been waiting for this moment.

Olympic Spirit Thrives in Speedskating

Reuters

USA is fortunate to have some superstars in Speedskating over the years, such as Eric Heiden, Bonnie Blair, Dan Jensen and more recent stars like Shani Davis, Apolo Anton Ohno and Joey Cheek. The Dutch LOVE speedskating and it shows. They even brought their own band to Torino to help the already energetic crowd. And they love Chicago area's Shani Davis, too.

Apolo Anton Ohno's Diverse Medal Collection

Reuters

Apolo Anton Ohno displays his Bronze Medal from Saturday's 1000m Speedskating Short-Track, another medal to go along with his Gold and Silver from Salt Lake. Congratuations Apolo!

Chicago Area's Shani Davis Wins Gold!

AP

In the highly-anticipated Speedskating 1000m Final, the Chicago area's SHANI DAVIS wins the Gold Medal! Congratulations Shani for making history at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games!

USA's Joey Cheek (left) received the Silver Medal. Erben Wennemars (right) of the Netherlands got the Bronze.

Ben Agosto and Tanith Belbin

AP

Chicago area's Ben Agosto with Tanith Belbin in Friday's Ice Dancing program at the XXth Winter Olympic Games in Torino.

More Snowboard Cross History

Getty

In a dramatic ending to the Women's Snowboard Cross Final, USA's Lindsey Jacobellis (right) crashes near the finish, allowing Switzerland's Tanja Frieden (left) to sail past for the Gold Medal. Lindsey gets the Silver Medal...the first in Olympic history for the exciting new sport.

Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov

Getty

Chicago area's Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukov in Friday's Ice Dancing program at the XXth Winter Olympic Games in Torino.

Torino | Behind the Medals

AP

If you noticed the medals at the XXth Winter Olympic Games in Torino look different than usual, you are correct.

Italian designer Dario Quatrini says the hole in the middle is representative of an Italian piazza or city squre. The Torino Organizing Committee says "circling and revealing the area near the heart and focusing attention on the athlete's vital energy and human emotions."

Torino's medals have the Torino 2006 logo on one side with images of individual sports on the other side.

Each Winter Olympic Games has a unique design for medals. Salt Lake's medals had rough edges instead of being round. Back in 1994, Lillehamer's medals included sparagmite, a stone extracted from the ski jump venue. Nagano used lacquer in 1998.

Gold medals contain at least 6 grams of gold.

Evan Lysacek's Spectacular Free Skate

Getty

The Chicago area's Evan Lysacek came from 10th overall to finish 4th overall in Men's Figure Skating after the best free skate performance at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

Evan battled illness and a rough start in the short program with a spectacular and courageous finish! Congratulations Evan!

Seth Wescott Makes Olympic History

Getty (Bardonnechia, Italy)

USA's Seth Wescott (right) battles Radoslav Sidek (left) of Slovakia in a split-second difference dramatic ending in the Men's Snowboard Cross Final to win the first ever Gold Medal in Olympic history for the debut of the extremely popular sport.

Plushenko Wins Gold at Torino

Getty

Men's Figure Skater from Russia Evgeni Plushenko wraps up the Gold Medal in a dominating overall performance. Plushenko is 23 years old and says he will be back for Vancouver 2010.

Stephane Lambiel of Switzerland won the Silver Medal and Jeff Buttle of Canada edged out the Chicago area's Evan Lysacek for the Bronze.

Matt Savoie | Pride of Peoria

Getty

Congratulations to Matt Savoie from Peoria, Illinois who finished 7th overall with an outstanding performance in the Men's Free Skate at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games!

Matt is headed this fall to Cornell University's Law School.

Ice Hockey Heats Up at Torino

Getty

Ice Hockey at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games is heating up for Men and Women's teams. USA's Men's Team, led by Chicago's Chris Chelios, tied Latvia 3-3 in their first game on Wednesday.

Toby Dawson's Olympic Dream

Getty

USA's Toby Dawson wins the Bronze in Men's Freestyle Moguls.

Toby was born in South Korea and raised by his adoptive parents in Colorado. He's hoping his Olympic medal will help him with a very special dream of finding his birth parents in South Korea.

USA's Ted Ligety Slides into Gold

Reuters

Ted Legity of the United States surprised some and won the Gold Medal in Men's Combined Race.

Ivica Kostelic of Croatia won the Silver and Rainer Schoenfelder of Austria won the Bronze.

Biathlon Gold

Getty (Cesana San Sicario, Italy)

Gold Medal winner Sven Fischer of Germany wins the Gold Medal in the Mens Biathlon 10km Sprint Final at the 2006 Torino Winter Olympic Games.

Women's Speedskating 500m

Reuters

In another surprise, speedskater Svetlana Zhurova of Russia (center) wins the 500m.

Manli Wang (left) wins the Silver and Hui Ren (right) wins the Bronze, both from China.

Evan Lysacek's Olympic Career Begins

AP

Figure skater Evan Lysacek from Naperville took the global ice stage on Tuesday in the Men's Short Program.

Chicago Area's Gold Connection

AP

Congratulations to Russia's Tatyana Totmiyanina and Maxim Marinin, who live and train in the Chicago metropolitan area, for winning the Gold in the Pairs Figure Skating! They also won two consecutive world championships prior to Torino.

They are coached by Oleg Vassiliev, the 1984 Olympic champion in pairs.

Evan Lysacek Takes the Ice Stage

Naperville figure skater Evan Lysacek will be among potential medal contenders as Men's Figure Skating is one of features of NBC's Primetime coverage tonight. Yevgeny Plushenko of Russia will be among the top names performing.

Bode Miller will be risking it all on the Alpine slopes along with Women's Speedskating and the 500m.

Halfpipe Repeat

Getty

Hannah Teter (center) of the United States wins the Gold in the Halfpipe with Kjersti Buaas (left) of Norway with the Bronze and Gretchen Bleiler (right) of the United States with the Silver. USA's Snowboarders also won the Gold and Silver in the Men's Halfpipe.

Fly With Me

Getty

Hannah Teter of the United States won the Gold Medal for the Women's Halfpipe.

Joey Cheek Lives Dream and Wins Gold

AP

Speedskater Joey Cheek (USA) wins Gold Medal in 500m. His Olympic dream was inspired at the age of 14 watching Johann Olav Koss from Norway win three speedskating medals at the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympic Games.

Cheek plans to donate his $25,000 bonus from the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) to an organization called Right to Play run by Koss that has helped people in the the Darfur region of Africa.

Russia's Dmitry Dorofeyev won the Silver and South Korea's Lee Kang Seok won the Bronze.

Cheek will also compete in the 1000m along with the Chicago area's Shani Davis.

Torino Venue | Halfpipe Course

Halfpipe Venue in Bardonecchia (Getty)

Thanks to a certain Flying Tomato (aka Shaun White from USA), people are wondering more about the HALFPIPE course for snowboarders with their aerial show.

* Length 135m or 148yds

* 85 degree banks

* Height 5.5m or 18ft

* Width 17.5m or 57ft

Shaun White Soars Over Torino for Gold

Photo By Joe Kalamar

U.S. Snowboard favorite Shaun White soared over Torino and the half-pipe on his way to a Gold Medal at the XXth Winter Olympic Games. Teammate Danny Kass won the Silver.

For more details, pictures and video clips, click HERE for NBC Olympics.

Michelle Kwan Withdraws Due to Injury

Figure skater and top medal contender Michelle Kwan has withdrawn from the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino due to a groin injury suffered from Saturday's practice session.

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has submitted the name of Emily Hughes to be considered for a replacement.

Chad Hedrick Wins Gold Medal in 5000m

USA's Chad Hedrick wins his first gold medal in the 5000m only 17 hours after marching in the Opening Ceremonies. He joined speedskating after watching the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

Torino | Passion Lives Here

The Opening Ceremonies of the XXth Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy.

Imagine All the People...

Peter Gabriel sings the famous John Lennon song in one of the more emotional moments of the Opening Ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy.

Luciano Pavarotti's Global Performance

Famed Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti's voice soars at the Opening Ceremonies of the XXth Winter Games in Torino, Italy.

Opening Ceremonies Shine Bright

Tomba Carries Flame Into Stadio Olimpico

Italian downhill skiing star Alberto Tomba carries the flame into the Opening Ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino.

Opening Ceremonies Pin

Commerative Pin from the Opening Ceremonies of the XXth Winter Olympic Games in Torino.

Torino Welcomes the World

The preview of Torino from Salt Lake 2002

At 1pm CT (USA), the Opening Ceremonies will begin in Torino, Italy with a primetime broadcast on NBC starting tonight at 7pm CT, locally on NBC5 Chicago (WMAQ). For complete televsion listings, see www.nbcolympics.com.

From Chicago to China, from Sydney to Salt Lake, from Los Angeles to London, wherever you are, we hope you experience and enjoy the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. Join us over the next two weeks as the world gathers in Torino.

NOTE: If you are visiting Torino and would like to share your experience of the Olympic Games, email us some sample photos at info@cmoc.com and we will feature selected ones.

Opening Ceremonies Torino Visitors Reminder for Stadio Olimpico: Gates open at 16:00. Please arrive by 18:00. Pre-show starts at 19:00 and Ceremonies start at 20:00. Access is 600m walk to venue entrance. Ticket office is near piazza d'Armi.

Torino | Let the Passion Begin

Final preparations for Pragelato, venue for Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined.

Good luck to several Chicago metro (and vicinity) athletes competing in Torino, including Ben Agosto, Chris Chelios, Margaret Crowley, Shani Davis, Melissa Gregory, Evan Lysacek, Aaron Parchem, Denis Petukhov, Matt Savoie, Lorezno Smith and Chris Witty.

Pragelato Visitor Reminder: Gates open three hours before starting time. Trial jumps begin one hour before scheduled start. Access is a 1km walk from shuttle drop-off. Cross-country venue is 1.8km distance. Ticket box office is in piazza Lantelme.

Torino Venue Preview | Palavela

The Palavela Indoor Arena seats 8,260 will be host to Figure Skating and Short Track Speedskating.

Palavela Visitor Reminder: Gates open two hours before scheduled starting time. Access is 150m walk from shuttle drop-off and public transport stop. Ticket office is at the corner of via Nizza and via Farigliano.

Torino | Let it Snow

Photo Credit Stephan Jansen - Women's Downhill Course

Torino | Getting in the Games

The 2006 Winter Olympic Games have arrived.

For official event ticket information, click HERE.

For tourist information about Torino, click HERE.

NBC and WMAQ's Torino Olympic Coverage

NBC will be providing record coverage for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games from Torino, Italy on the networks of NBC, CNBC, MSNBC and USA. For more on NBC's coverage, see www.nbcolympics.com.

In addition, our local affiliate WMAQ (NBC5Chicago) will also be providing special coverage. For their Olympic coverage, click HERE and take a look at their blog.

1 Day to Torino | Chris Witty to Lead USA

USA Today

Salt Lake 2002 gold medalist speedskater Chris Witty will carry the United States flag and lead the U.S. Olympic Team at the Opening Ceremonies in Torino.

Witty, from nearby Wisconsin, set a speedskating world record in 2002 for the 1,000 meter race. She also won a silver and bronze medals at Nagano in 1998. She will likely compete in the 500, 1,000 and 1,500 in Torino.

In addition, Ms. Witty also competed in cycling at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Olympic Games and the Blogosphere

Unlike previous Olympic Games, the world has been gathering for Torino long before the Opening Ceremonies. Various athletes, sports, sponsors and organizations (including us) have participated in blogs and websites to interact with the world.

We will continue to add links related to Torino. For some samples of blogs we found interesting if you want to know more about athletes beyond what their athletic performance, take a look at Off the Podium and Journey to Torino.

2 Days to Torino | Sponsor Profile

Visa continues to be one of the worldwide Olympic sponsors and will be using the exposure of the Olympic Games to unveil its new tagline of "Life Takes Visa" which replaces "It's Everywhere You Want to Be." A 60 second commercial will be debuted on February 10th during the Opening Ceremonies for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino.

In addition, Visa will have other Olympic-themed spots such as those that feature athletes like alpine skier Bode Miller and skater Michelle Kwan. Visa sponsors various sports, teams and athletes as freestyle skier Travis Cabral, Paralympic skier Laurie Stephens and Manuel Guerra (sledge hockey).

Take a look at Visa's athelete blog on the Journey to Torino.

If you are interested in receiving a special Torino pin for a small donation that benefits the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), click HERE and you will be taken to Visa's site that matches donations dollar for dollar.

Visa is the exclusive payment card and official payment service for the Torino Winter Olympic Games, along with participating in other programs such as the Visa Olympics of Imagination, an international art program for children.

3 Days to Torino | On the Fast Track

Photo Credit Sanders Hicks

Training in the Chicago area earlier, speedskaters Shani Davis and Apolo Anton Ohno, may come back with combined extra weight on their flight back from Torino...thanks to multiple potential Olympic medals. An audience of billions will be watching them master the long and short tracks.

4 Days to Torino | The Media

The 2006 Winter Olympic Games will not only be watched by billions, but they will be covered by media from all over the world to bring the stories, news, images and experience of the athletes, officials, visitors and hosts. Above is a glimpse at one of the media operation centers ready for action.

5 Days to Torino | IOC President Arrives

Associated Press

International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge arrives in Torino, Italy for the IOC Executive Session and in advance of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

6 Days to Torino | Alpine Skiing

The Village of Sestriere in northern Italy will be host for Alpine Skiing for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

7 Days to Torino | Olympic Spirit in the Sky

The Italian Air Force pays tribute over the skies over Torino

8 Days to Torino

Some aerial memories from Salt Lake 2002

9 Days to Torino | Chris Chelios Named Captain of USA Hockey Team

(Updated) Congratulations to Chicago's Chris Chelios for being named captain of the U.S. Olympic Men's Hockey Team to help lead USA Hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy coming February 10th. This is his 4th Olympic Games.

Share Your Torino Experience

If you will be attending the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy, we are looking for photos to help share the experience of being at the Olympic Games. We will feature selected photos here.

Send us a sample or two of your Torino experience to info@cmoc.com.

10 Days to Torino | Torch Run Continues

Giorgio Armani carries the torch in Italy

New Olympic Postal Stamp

A new 39 cent postal stamp is being introduced in Colorado Springs in advance of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. The stamp will be available nationwide on Thursday.

U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Broadcast

The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, recorded from the Harris Theater at Millennium Park in Chicago, will be broadcast on Sunday, January 1, 2006 at 1:30pm CT on NBC.

Good Luck Shani Davis

Chicago area's Shani Davis, holder of the World Record 1500M for Speedskating, will compete in the U.S. Long Track Championships from December 27 to 31st in Salt Lake to finalize the team that will compete at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy. Good luck Shani!

Venues of the Future

Pictured above is a conceptual view from the seats of London 2012's Olympic Stadium.

Dare to Dream Debuts December 11th

HBO's Documentary "Dare to Dream: The Story of the U.S. Women's Soccer Team" debuts on Sunday, December 11 at 7:00pm CT, sharing the story of team success and the five people who played together for years on the U.S. National Team, including Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, Kristine Lilly and Joy Fawcett. It's a story about pursuing dreams, inspiring millions of young girls and changing the sports landscape.

Note: Additional re-broadcast times are available at HBO.

Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid

Opening Ceremonies, Athens Olympic Games, August 2004

We are proud to have initiated the process to consider a Chicago Olympic bid for 2008 and 2012 and will post any developments for a potential Chicago 2016 bid.

Please note the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) has not yet determined an official bid process for 2016. In the meantime, we welcome your comments on a potential Chicago Olympic Games.

If you would like to volunteer toward helping to strengthen the Olympic presence in the Chicago metropolitan area, email us at info@cmoc.com. We receive a high volume of email, so please be assured we read each message and appreciate everyone's interest.

We will post various news, images and information related to the Olympic Games and Chicago, so please check back frequently.

Thank You!

Congratulations to Scottie Pippen

The Chicago Bulls have retired #33 to honor Scottie Pippen, one of the best basketball players in history with six championships and a 2-time Olympian.

In a special ceremony during the Bulls game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night (December 9, 2005), Pippen was joined by his family, former coaches and teammates, including Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson, Bob Love, a standing ovation from a sell-out crowd and national cable television audience.

As one of the most complete and talented athletes in basketball, Pippen was integral to Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player in history, who together led Chicago through a dominating era and elevated basketball to global popularity.

U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2006

Congratulations to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Inductees who were inducted during a special ceremony in Chicago.

EVELYN ASHFORD
Track & Field

HERB BROOKS
Coach Selection - Men's Ice Hockey

DICK EBERSOL
Special Contributor Selection

ROWDY GAINES
Swimming

DIANA GOLDEN-BROSNIHAN
Paralympian - Skiing

BOB HAYES
Track & Field

SHANNON MILLER
Gymnastics

JACK SHEA
Veteran - Speedskating

KRISTI YAMAGUCHI
Figure Skating

1984 MEN'S GYMNASTICS
Team Selection

The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be broadcast on January 1, 2006 on NBC.

White Sox Celebrate With Tickertape Parade

An estimated two million people joined Friday's motorcade, tickertape parade and celebration to honor the 2005 World Series Champion Chicago White Sox, the first baseball championship for Chicago since 1917.

Chicago White Sox Win World Series!

Congratulations to the Chicago White Sox who defeated the Houston Astros to win the 2005 World Series Championship!

White Sox Manager and former superstar Ozzie Guillen carries the World Series Championship trophy. Guillen, born in Venezuela, led a diverse team of players, including Olympians Jose Contreras and Tadahito Iguichi.

Thousands of White Sox fans gathered at the United Center to watch the World Series game at Houston.

Chicago White Sox Advance to World Series

Congratulations to the Chicago White Sox baseball team, champions of the American League Central division and winner of the American League Championhip Series! The Chicago White Sox advance to the World Series against the National League Champion Houston Astros.

The Chicago White Sox last appeared in the World Series in 1959 and previously won in 1917.

Two of Chicago's leading players include Olympians second baseman Tadahito Iguichi (1996) who played for Japan and starting pitcher Jose Contreras (2000) who played for Cuba. Mr. Contreras won a silver medal at the Sydney Olympic Games.

Game 1 of the 2005 World Series is Saturday, October 22nd in Chicago. For more information about Chicago White Sox baseball, see www.whitesox.com.

Dick Ebersol

Dick Ebersol (second from left in a discussion prior to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games) is Chairman of NBC Universal Sports & Olympics. Mr. Ebersol has been an important leader for Olympic television broadcasting, one of the most watched events in the world. He has previously received the highest honor for a non-athlete from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Olympic Order.

Mr. Ebersol has had a diverse and creative history in television. Like many, he was inspired by ABC's Wide World of Sports and eventually worked with Roone Arledge. Later at NBC, he helped put Saturday Night Live on the air and produced the show in the early 1980's. From Fright Night Videos to Later with Bob Costas to the Today Show, he has been willing to make bold choices. In addition to the high-profile Olympic broadcasts, NBC Sports had much success with baseball, basketball and football as well.

An innovator in broadcasting, Mr. Ebersol has been selected as a special contributor inductee to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

Join us to honor Dick Ebersol's induction into the Olympic Hall of Fame in Chicago on December 8th. For ticket information, email us at info@cmoc.com.

Jack Shea

Speedskating legend Jack Shea, shown above with hundreds of awards, won the 500m and 1500m gold medals at the 1932 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid. He was the first of three generations of Olympians with his son Jim Shea, Sr competing in Nordic and Cross-Country skiing in 1964 at Innsbruck, Austria and his grandson, Jim Shea, Jr, participating in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games.

In 2000, U.S. Speedskating created The Jack Shea Award, which symbolizes dedication to Olympic excellence, citizenship and the betterment of mankind through sport. The recipient must embodies the values of sportsmanship, commitment, humility and perseverance; and inspires people of all ages to reach new heights and believe in their dreams. The first recipient was Jack Shea. The second recipient was Eric Heiden.

Jack Shea's love for Lake Placid and the Olympic Games continued in 2002 as the Olympic Torch Relay went through Lake Placid on its way to Salt Lake City, where he carried the flame into the speedskating oval and lit the cauldron. He passed away soon after at the age of 91. His grandson, Jim Shea, Jr, a month later went on to win a gold medal.

Join us to honor Jack Shea's induction into the Olympic Hall of Fame in Chicago on December 8th. For ticket information, email us at info@cmoc.com.

LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon

More than 1,2 million spectators will line the streets of Chicago to watch more than 40,000 participants in the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 9, 2005, starting at 8am Central Time. CBS 2 Chicago will have a live broadcast featuring the race that includes some of the world's greatest athletes.

The race starts in Grant Park, just north of Buckingham Fountain. Runners first travel north through River North, Old Town, Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville. Then, go south through Chicago's historic and diverse neighborhoods, including Greektown, Little Italy, Pilsen, Bridgeport and the South Loop. Runners then turn north again along South Michigan Avenue with a spectacular finish back in Grant Park, south of the Buckingham Fountain.

7 Wonders of Chicago

A professor recently started a discussion by referring to a piece of art as one of the 7 Wonders of Chicago so the Chicago Tribune solicited nominees for a possible list and came up with 14 nominees.

The Chicago metropolitan area is fortunate to have many other landmarks and wonders not listed. For now, we have profiled all 14 reader nominees below and have our own poll. Scroll down to the right to participate and vote for ONE wonder.

What should we emphasize to the world? You can vote once per day.

Wonders Nominee | Chicago Blues Music

The Chicago Blues are the 14th and final nominee for the Chicago Tribune's 7 Wonders of Chicago.

What is often referred to as the "classic Chicago style" was developed in the late 1940's and early 1950's, taking Delta blues, amplifying it and evolving into a small band context, often adding drums, bass, keyboard, piano or saxophone.

Some of the greatest guitarists come from a blues background, often blending funk, jazz and rock into the 21st century. Check out homegrown and visiting legends such as Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, B.B. King, Eric Clapton and Muddy Waters to the new generation of rising stars such as Anthony Gomes that often blend blues with rock, funk or jazz. Chicago is home to classic venues such as the Kingston Mines to newer venues such as the House of Blues.

Wonders Nominee | Lower Wacker Drive

One of Chicago's less visible (intentionally) wonders is Lower Wacker Drive, a 7 Wonders Nominee.

Used by many as a shortcut and bypass for regular city traffic, the tunnel-like roadway below Wacker Drive has been host of movie scenes from the Blues Brothers to Batman Begins.

Based upon a 1909 plan, the "Lower" part of the two-level roadway along the Chicago River is an experience and world of its own.

Wonders Nominee | Chicago River

Like the magnificent lakefront that surprises some visitors, Chicago also has the Chicago River that winds through downtown Chicago, creating a unique cityscape and beauty.

With draw bridges, locks, boats and convenience, the Chicago River also is an engineering wonder. A special project connecting the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River includesa 28 mile canal from the south branch of the Chicago River down to Lockport, making Chicago the only city that has a river that flows backward into the Mississippi River and south.

Wonders Nominee | Museum of Science & Industry

Chicago has outstanding several museums and cultural institutions. One of the most renowned is the Museum of Science and Industry, a 7 Wonders of Chicago Nominee.

From an internal coal mine to the Omnimax Theater its new submarine exhibit, there has been decades of interactive knowledge in one of the world's premier museums covering more than 400,000 square feet of exhibit space and welcoming more than a 1.3 million visitors every year.

Learn more at www.msichicago.org.

Wonders Nominee | Bungalows

Another 7 Wonders of Chicago Nominee are the Bungalows that line many residential streets of Chicago and the surround area.

During a building boom after World War I, around 100,000 were built in Chicago and its suburbs. These "bungalows" became a preferred choice for many immigrant and working-class families, giving people a sense of ownership and making Chicago a permanent home.

Estimates are that approximately 1 out of 3 single family homes in the City of Chicago are bungalows.

Wonders Nominee | Chicago's Theater Scene

Chicago's Theater Scene is one of the 7 Wonders of Chicago Nominees from the readers of the Chicago Tribune. Pictured above is the marquee of the famous Chicago Theater on State Street.

Chicago's quantity and quality of culture has international reputation. From the Goodman Theatre to Steppenwolf to the comedy of Second City, there are many productions and choices.

Learn more about what to see at Metromix.

Wonders Nominee | University of Chicago

One of the premier academic institutions in the world, the University of Chicago in Hyde Park has numerous famous graduates, Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners and contributions to many professions.

Founded by John D. Rockefeller, the campus with its Gothic buildings and unique architecture that includes designs from famous architects is spread over 211 acres and includes a renowned hospital system. The University of Chicago also has a partnership with Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago's western suburbs.

The school moto...
...Crescat scientia; vita excolatur
("Let knowledge grow; let life be enriched").

Wonders Nominee | Chicago Hot Dog

Readers of the Chicago Tribune nominated the Chicago Hot Dog as one of our wonders. So, what makes it a "Chicago-style" hot dog?

* Boiled or steamed, not grilled
* Lightly steamed poppy-seed bun
* Diced onions
* Tomato wedges
* Pickle relish
* Yellow mustard
* Dill pickle spear
* Shake of celery salt
* No ketchup!

There are some legendary hot dog stands throughout Chicago's history and "Chicago-style" hot dogs have spread throughout the world. For example, Chicagoan Margaret Robertson retired with her husband and opened Margo's Chicago Style Hot Dog Stand in Colorado Springs, home of the U.S. Olympic Team.

Wonders Nominee | Sears Tower

The Sears Tower, formerly the world's tallest building, but still the tallest in the United States, is 110 stories, 1,450 feet tall, weighing 445 million pounds, 2000 miles of electrical wiring, 3,8 million square feet of rentable space and 145,000 light fixtures. Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and built in 1973 on Wacker Drive, views from the Skydeck provide a vast overview of the region and portions of four states, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Wonders Nominee | Millenium Park

Less than a year old, Millenium Park has already become a focal point of Chicago and one of the world's greatest parks, built on 24.5 acres on top of underground parking and commuter rail tracks, eventually costing $475 million and supported heavily by private donations.

From the Frank Gehry-designed Pavillion to fountains with human faces to the Anish Kapoor-designed stainless steel sculpture "Cloud Gate," there are gardens and galleries surrounding by an urban setting.

Wonders Nominee | Wrigley Field

Built in 1914, Wrigley Field remains one of the most popular venues in the United States to watch a baseball game. From its famous ivy walls, the view of the skyline and rooftops, home runs being hit onto Waveland Ave, the hand-operated scoreboard, the addtion of lights for night baseball, this home of the Chicago Cubs is loved by the region's people and baseball fans everywhere.

Wonders Nominee | The El

Chicago's elevated train system (aka the "El" or "L") transports passengers above ground, going through both business and residential districts. Unlike underground subway transit systems, the "El" provides commuters with special views and an up close review of city at work.

Wonders Nominee | Water Tower

Not to be confused with Water Tower Place (a shopping mall across from the Water Tower), this historic structure was the only public building to survive the famous 1871 Chicago Fire that destroyed much of the city.

Since that time, it is surrounded by skyscrapers and towering glass buildings, but remains a symbolic civic reminder about surviving any challenge.

Wonders Nominee | The Lakefront

Chicago's magnificent lakefront often surprises first-time visitors who expect to visit the heartland of the midwestern United States full of cornfields and prairies. Lake Michigan is more "ocean-like" creating a dynamic coast along Chicago with parks, beaches and all water-associated activities.

The lakefront was intended to be accessible to the public and is one of the most visited parts of Chicago. Driving along Lake Shore Drive, one can see the perspective of the skyline and lakefront.

Chicago Air & Water Show

The Chicago Air & Water Show is this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 4pm along Lake Michigan. North Aveune Beach is one of the main viewing areas. Air Show starts at 11am. More than two million spectators are expected.

Agencies Merge for Transportation Planning

Blago combines transportation, land use agencies
Merger of NIPC and CATS designed to improve congestions problems

Crain's Chicago Business
By Alison Granito August 09, 2005

In a move state officials hope will lessen traffic congestion from Chicago to the collar counties, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich Tuesday signed a bill combining separate transportation and land use planning agencies in northeastern Illinois.

The measure, which grew out of a recommendation made by the Regional Transportation Task Force, won unanimous support in both houses of the legislature. The measure merges the Chicago Area Transportation Study with Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission.

“As Northeastern Illinois continues to grow and communities expand, we need to make sure we’re planning ahead to accommodate the additional traffic and increased demand on our transit systems, said the governor in a prepared statement. “By combining the region’s existing planning authorities into one board we can maximize our limited resources and improve coordination on both transportation and land use needs for the entire region.”

Fordham Tower to be Tallest in USA

At the far right is the proposed spire-like 115 story Fordham Tower, which would be the tallest building in the United States, about 2000 ft, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Plans include 200 hotel rooms and 200 to 250 condos.

Currently, the USA's tallest building is the Sears Tower in Chicago. Plan your visit to the skydeck here.