Moscow: The international swimming federation has strongly criticised the organisers of next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro over what it says are substandard facilities and “disrespect” for aquatic events.
Fina, which oversees some of the Olympics’ most-watched events, attacked the organisers and Rio mayor Eduardo Paes on various grounds including slashing the seating capacity at the main pool, according to a Fina letter obtained by The Associated Press.
Athletes’ health and safety could be at risk over viruses in the area of sea used for open water swimming events and organisers’ decision to use an open-air venue for diving, water polo and synchronised swimming, Fina warns.
The letter, dated Monday and addressed by Fina president Julio Maglione to Paes and the 2016 organising committee, was circulated among leading swimming figures.
It seems to suggest relations are at breaking point.
“The recent decisions of Mr. Eduardo Paes ... are seriously damaging the image and value of Fina and its disciplines,” the letter states. “This situation is in clear disrespect for the Fina requirements concerning aquatic venues, and will negatively affect the safety conditions and the level of performances of our athletes.”
Four-time Olympic champion Alexander Popov is quoted in the letter as saying that swimming conditions in Rio would be “a step back in relation to previous editions” of the Olympics.
