Copenhagen  - Olympians fell for the charm of United States President Barack Obama after he lobbied for Chicago's 2016 bid before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday.

IOC member Nicole Hoevertsz of Aruba told German Press Agency dpa that almost half of IOC members were queuing for a snapshot and a few words with Obama during a 20-minute coffee break following Chicago's pitch.

"There were a lot, about 40 or 50 members that asked him for a photo after the presentation," she told dpa.

"He is a world personality. He took his time to talk with everyone. It was very nice. The whole coffee break was dedicated to it."

"Obama added a lot to the prestige of the Olympic Movement. His presence here gives us a lot of satisfaction."

But Hoevertsz also said Obama's presence alone will likely not decide whether Chicago will be elected host later Friday by the IOC over Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.

"It would be very sad if we let ourselves get impressed by such an important politician. Obviously Obama has an impact, but I don't know whether that will influence the final decision. We are trying to reach a very well-balanced decision," she said.

Obama was the first US president to lobby for a city from the country before the IOC. He arrived in Denmark less than two hours before the pitch and was due to leave again for Washington later in the day.

He talked for around 10 minutes during the presentation and then, together with his wife Michelle Obama, had to shake plenty of hands before leaving the conference hall.

Michelle Obama was born and raised in Chicago, while the "windy city" is the adopted home town of the president. (dpa)