Rio de Janeiro off 2012 Olympics Site List

Citing beauty is not enough, the International Olympic Committee rejected Rio as a site for the 2012 Olympic Games. Havana, Leipzig and Istambul were also rejected, leaving London, Paris, Madrid, Moscow and New York as possible sites.
Belleza de Río de Janeiro opacada por sus problemas, from Reuters, explains the decision.
This photo of overcast Copacabana Beach and Sugarloaf Mountain displayed with the kind permission of Peter and Jackie Main.