According to the Associated Press, First lady Michelle Obama has arrived to lend her support to Chicago’s effort to win the 2016 Olympics.
Mrs. Obama’s plane landed a little before 11:30 a.m. local time, and she was greeted by a contingency that included Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, his wife, Maggie, Olympic gold medalist and East St. Louis native Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Chicago 2016 president Lori Healey. Oprah Winfrey is rumored to be attending as well, but has yet to be confirmed.
Mrs. Obama will spend the next two days meeting with IOC members, hoping to persuade them to vote for her hometown. President Barack Obama arrives Friday, and both Obamas will be part of Chicago’s final presentation.
Chicago is locked in a tight race with Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo for the games.
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.