When Rio was awarded the 2016 games nine years back, Brazilians thought it would bring all kinds of good things to the country, especially to Rio.
But for some time now, the thinking has changed. A pal of mine who’s lived there for years tells me that nobody’s talking about the Games. Nobody’s excited about them because several problems loom larger than the arrival of the torch and the five rings.
For a start, the country’s president, Dilma Rousseff, is on the edge of impeachment, and her vice-president, Michel Temer, might soon be up on a corruption charge. The country’s economy is in shreds and workers are disgruntled. No less than 33 civil groups, from the police to garbage collectors, are threatening to strike a week before the Olympics are scheduled to begin.
This could seriously impact the elaborate security plans. Around 85,000 military, police and state security personnel are supposed to be on hand but it’s rumoured that the state has no funds to meet the massive overtime bill. As for venues, several are behind schedule because they’ve tested badly (much of the construction appears to be tied into a colossal financial scandal that’s toppling Ms. Rousseff’s government).
Sorry to say, it gets worse. A crucial metro underground extension won’t be ready in time to be tested. It’s designed to run from Copacabana and Ipanema to Barra de Tijuca where the Olympic Park is situated, but there’s a holdup due to a $250,000 shortfall. Signs around the city that were optimistically erected to point the way to various stations have been stickered over with “Coming in 2018.”
Ready for more bad news? The Zika virus isn’t the worst that Rio’s mosquitoes can do. They also carry dengue fever, and rates for dengue – also known as breakbone fever – are through the roof. And while we’re talking about health, sailors, rowers and canoers will be plowing through a hopelessly polluted Guanabara Bay.
Triathlon contestants will be swimming off Copacabana Beach where the water contains a potent variety of harmful bacteria. According to lab tests as little as three teaspoonfuls ingested would theoretically be enough to sicken an athlete.
It’s a sad situation for a country that, just a few years ago, was one of the stars of the BRIC countries. And it’s a sad situation for anybody that loves sports and wants to see them taking place under optimum conditions.
Good luck, Rio. There’s less than 100 days to go. Let’s hope you find a way to get past the worst of the problems and put on a good show.
Gazmon
Guest
That's a really good idea actually. I did hear that suggested a few years ago and my first reaction was 'WTF?' But, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. Even if you had a few venues that rotated it every 4-years. The Olympics now is more about TV money than the venue/city itself.
Dean
Guest
World Cups are easier than Olympics because the impact is spread across a number of cities. Rio is already quite hard to get around. Lots of disperse events around the place will be difficult, but they'll get there. It's a great place to visit and the locals know how to have a good time, so I think it will be one hell of a big party.
Dean
Guest
This isn't a surprise, down at the southern end of Copacabana beach is the sewage outlet. Didn't look like there was much treatment of it and you could certainly smell it the couple of times I've been there. Traffic between Copacabana/Leblon and Barra de Tijuca along the coastal road will be interesting if there's no new metro (one of the few long lasting benefits of the games). The US team should be banned from driving on Salvador Allende Avenue between the village and the stadium.
peeeko
Guest
you might want to read the comment below
mds1970
Roar Guru
Brazil may have bitten off more than they can chew to have the soccer World Cup and the Olympics just two years apart. The World Cup went OK, and the Olympics probably will; but so often we hear of these disasters in the lead-up to major events. The South Africa World Cup, the Delhi Commonwealth Games, the Sochi Winter Olympics etc. The events always turn out fine; but the financial cost is enormous and under-estimated every time. And although the events are good, the biggest legacy left behind is debt to the host. Maybe the answer for major events like the Olympics is instead of giving a different city the job of building white elephants every four years, is to have a permanent home - which can be developed to be the best in the world and will always have ongoing use. An end to the inherently corrupt bidding processes and the trail of debt that these events inevitably leave wherever they go.
Hugo
Guest
The Associated Press revealed the results of its investigation into the safety of the water at the 2016 Olympic venues in Rio de Janeiro. Copacabana Beach, where the swim portion of the triathlons will take place, contained a concentration of viruses “roughly equivalent to that seen in raw sewage.” Olympic athletes are almost certain to come into contact with these viruses which in some tests measured up to 1.7 million times the level of what would be considered hazardous on a Californian or Australian beach.
Redsback
Guest
Triathletes swimming off Copacabana need to toughen up. Hundreds or thousands or people (depending on the day) go swimming at Copacabana every day. I've smelt far worse stenches at some Australian beaches.
peeeko
Guest
i have really lost interest in the olympics, it was something always to look forward to. i am hoping Rio can restore that faith