Windy City May Be Too Windy for Olympics, IOC Says
Wind speed increases to over 11 mph during lunch, report says.
By ANDREW GREINER
Updated 5:42 AM EDT, Thu, Sep 3, 2009
Chicago’s “Windy City” moniker could come back to haunt it.
Buried in the 100-page report issued Wednesday by the International Olympic Committee is a tidbit about Chicago’s notorious weather trait.
IOC members apparently showed “some concern” that "strongish" winds could disrupt competitions in archery, rowing, canoe, kayaking, tennis and open swimming because average wind strengths increase at mid-afternoon to slightly over 11 m.p.h., the report said.
The report did note, however, that people in charge of said sport events signed off on the venues. And the winds haven’t seemed to have an effect on Chicago sports teams: look at the Cubs, they’re a picture of success.
D’oh.
Whether or not the “Windy City” tag has anything to do with the wind is debatable. The most widely accepted understanding of its origins has to do with the fact that our politicians are loud mouths --- ain’t that the truth. But the city has not proved to be significantly windier than other US cities.
If city nicknames have anything to do with the bidding process then Rio will kick Chicago’s butt. The Brazilian metropolis is referred to as “The Marvelous City.”
Great!
Find the complete PDF report here.
First Published: Sep 2, 2009 9:47 AM EDT on NBC Chicago
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