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The Rio Olympics were supposed to mark the ascension of South America as a world player, but political and economic chaos, health concerns, protests and cost over-runs marred Rio's chances for a successful coming out party. With the athletic drama behind us, the work begins of assessing the effect the games had on Brazil and its people. 

It also gives us a chance to look ahead and ask why any city would want to take the chance Rio took - to host an event that literally demands the transformation of your city. The 2022 Winter Olympics struggled to find a host city after the seemingly best prospects dropped out for lack of public support or anger at the requirements imposed by the International Olympic Committee.  

MPR News host Tom Weber talks with two experts who have studied the Olympics and their economic and social impact and why cities would ever want to host the Olympic Games. 

- Victor Matheson, professor of economics at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA and author of "

Going for the Gold: The Economics of the Olympics

The Games: A Global History of the Olympics

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With the athletic competition over, the people of Brazil are left to consider whether hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics was worth it. Given the cost and social trauma of putting on the games, why would any city want to do it?

MPR News host Tom Weber spoke with professor Victor Matheson and author David Glodblatt  about the economic and social impact of the Olympics and why cities would ever want to host the Olympic Games. 8/22/16

Why would any city want to host the Olympics?

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