Reaction to Chicago being ousted as candidate for the 2016 Summer Olympics is reverberating around Indianapolis today.

Dale Neuberger, president of Indiana Sports Corp. for 12 years, is now director at TSE Consulting’s U.S. office in Indianapolis. The Swiss-based company has been a consultant to the Chicago 2016 bid for the past two years.

He described his reaction in a short interview with IndyStar.com.

On the Chicago bid:

“The Chicago bid was the best ever put forward by the United States, and it featured unprecedented levels of governmental support, including the full participation of President Obama and the First Lady. Chicago would have hosted the Games in a spectacular way that showcased the best qualities of both Americans and America.”

On Chicago “losing” the bid:

“I think that it is more accurate to say that Rio won the bid, than saying that Chicago lost it. Rio had a compelling story to tell, that the Olympic Movement is global and the Olympics had been held 32 times in Europe and 10 times in North America, but never in South America.”

On the role of “emotion”:

“There is no question that Rio had a very emotional appeal, including former FIFA President Joao Havelage who is 93 years old asking to help him celebrate his 100th birthday in Rio in 2016. However, the speeches by the President and First Lady were equally emotional in asking the IOC to bring the Olympics to Chicago, including the Olympic stadium to be built a few blocks from where the First lady grew up on the city’s south side.”

On where the U.S. goes from here:

“The immediate reaction is certainly one of high disappointment. However, it will be necessary for the United States to continue to support the Olympic Movement and help the Olympics to be even more meaningful for future generations of American kids. It’s a tough loss today, but we need to show that we care about Olympic values and will be continue to be good partners with the IOC and Olympic Committees around the world.”