What are your thoughts about the safety of the athletes? I'm not talking about terrorist which is a strong possibility but the environmental safety. How long has it been since Rio knew they had the Olympics and the water is still polluted. I understand that our rowing teams are wearing special uniforms to try to prevent moisture from getting on their skin. It's 2016 folks and they are trying to tell us they did the best they could. Is Brazil a 3rd world country? There has to be a ton of money going into Rio for the last 50 years and their water is so polluted it can't be cleaned up. The Olympic committee had to know how bad the water was when they awarded the games to Rio. Shame, shame, shame. Athletes from all over the world have worked and trained for yeas for a chance to win a medal gold,silver or bronze for their country and themselves and have to go through this crap. No pun intended and add the Zika virus which is a whole problem in itself. I don't blame any athlete from not going but I also understand the need for them to go. May God bless all of the athletes from harm's way. What a freaking screwed up world we are living in. OFC
Thoughts on the 2016 Olympics?
- Thread starter skysdad
- Start date
Never put the Olympics in a borderline 3rd world country. Rio already was one of the poorest major cities on the planet and then you add that Brazil just hosted the World Cup. It is a known fact that World Cup and the Olympics put countries in the Red for about 3 years before they start seeing rewards from tourism and exchange. Especially if there is major construction to be done.
And FYI, there are multiple venues that are still under construction and aren't scheduled to be finished until the week after opening ceremonies. I don't think Zika is as bad as it seems, especially with Malaria, Yellow Fever, Typhoid and AIDS running the show there. And let's not start on the crime rate. But it just never seemed like this was a good destination. The IOC hopefully will learn from this and dictatorial China. Two bust Olympics from a travelers' standpoint.
And FYI, there are multiple venues that are still under construction and aren't scheduled to be finished until the week after opening ceremonies. I don't think Zika is as bad as it seems, especially with Malaria, Yellow Fever, Typhoid and AIDS running the show there. And let's not start on the crime rate. But it just never seemed like this was a good destination. The IOC hopefully will learn from this and dictatorial China. Two bust Olympics from a travelers' standpoint.
The only thing they seem to have going for them is the famous Jesus statue. I'm sure that will be repoed before long. That being said, if I were to be playing for my country, I would go to represent as long as it's not being held in the Middle East.
I agree with the people who say that China didn't deserve to host the Olympics because of government's dictatorship. But man, has there ever been or will there ever be a better opening ceremony?
Rio is broke and their government hasn't even responded to their request for money. Not to mention the health factors, security and accommodations for the athletes and the crime. Body parts washed up on the beach where they are hosting the volleyball games for Christ's sake. A disabled participant was mugged and beaten. I know things tend to work themselves out and never end up being as bad as it seems, but I don't see how these games are going to go well. I just hope that there is no loss of life.
Rio is broke and their government hasn't even responded to their request for money. Not to mention the health factors, security and accommodations for the athletes and the crime. Body parts washed up on the beach where they are hosting the volleyball games for Christ's sake. A disabled participant was mugged and beaten. I know things tend to work themselves out and never end up being as bad as it seems, but I don't see how these games are going to go well. I just hope that there is no loss of life.
Totally agree.
And also agree about the China opening ceremonies. They were spectacular.
And also agree about the China opening ceremonies. They were spectacular.
I was in Brazil years ago for 6 weeks and I tried to get the people I was staying with to take me to Rio. They would not take me because they said I would be safe there. At the time I was there their government was a lot more stable than it is now.
OFC
OFC
By the way, for those who wonder how the sites are located, John Oliver did a great bit on his show. He basically says that places like Rio become the default winner because the application process is so cumbersome that it basically causes better locations to drop out due to not wanting to engage in the process. It was really pretty fascinating. It was a very apolitical take on the process and how ridiculous the organization of the Olympics has become.
On a different note, I'm looking forward to them. I know people say they are boring, but I like watching the obscure sports that do not get televised regularly. I always enjoy the beach volleyball, track and field and others in the summer, just like the biathalon and curling in the winter. Sounds stupid, but I think it is fun that they get their moment in the spotlight.
I hope they go better than we all expect. It is a dream for these athletes, and an honor and I hope it doesn't get spoiled.
On a different note, I'm looking forward to them. I know people say they are boring, but I like watching the obscure sports that do not get televised regularly. I always enjoy the beach volleyball, track and field and others in the summer, just like the biathalon and curling in the winter. Sounds stupid, but I think it is fun that they get their moment in the spotlight.
I hope they go better than we all expect. It is a dream for these athletes, and an honor and I hope it doesn't get spoiled.
I think the Olympics, like the World Cup will be fine. It does suck that the conditions in the country are so poor, but the athletes have been training for years for this and most will be outside of the reach of all of these terrible conditions. The zika thing scares me for the women participants, but there are ways to combat mosquito bites. Overall looking forward to us kicking the world's *** as usual!
I'm just glad that we don't have to suffer through those tape-delays which are shown during prime-time hours of 7-10 pm, but which usually take place 6-12 hour earlier. Almost inevitably you hear the winner beforehand. I assume the Rio games will be live since they're only an hour ahead of New York.
Also, Track & Field and Gymnastics all day. Love watching those Olympic sports.
Also, Track & Field and Gymnastics all day. Love watching those Olympic sports.
Basketball and women's beach volleyball are my two favorite events. Admittedly, I started watching women's beach volleyball for the obvious reasons, but after watching them play I got really into it. It is really competitive. Gonna miss misty May!