Why Rio Won the 2016 Olympics

"This is indeed a momentous event — and one that comes after several years of strategy, planning, and arduous efforts by Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Now, Lula will be rewarded with yet another venue to showcase Brazil and to signal the country's growing international influence. In short, the Olympic Games will reaffirm the government's international reputation as a leader among emerging nations."

In addition, the country's strong history of sports dominance makes the athletic event feel right at home, according to this commentary.