Last year, I wrote a column that in some circles was probably met with a spit take, but it seemed like an idea worth mentioning. Cleveland making a bid to host the Summer Olympics - why not?

I attempted to lay out a broad argument for the concept, with facilities, a size comparison with cities that have previously hosted the Olympics and the like.

Unfortunately, I've reached the conclusion I was a little too optimistic.

Last week, the United States Olympic Committee sent out a letter to 35 cities, gauging interest in launching a bid for the 2024 Summer Games. While it was pleasing to see how the USOC laid out the realities of the process, it was mildly disappointing to glance at the list of 35.

The 35 candidates consisted of the 25 largest metropolitan areas in the country, along with 10 other cities that have shown some semblance of interest. The lone Ohio entry on the list was not Cleveland - it was Columbus.

As a result, the idea of even trying for a bid, which did occur twice in the early 20th century by the way, will not happen any time soon for Northeast Ohio.

Disappointing as it is that the powers-that-be on the North Coast who can make it happen won't even try, I will continue to stand by my argument. It was at least worth a shot.

- Chris Lillstrung | @CLillstrungNH