Rio 2016: Athletes upset about poor residential village
Olympic competitors claim the village is poorly built, the food is nutritionally unbalanced and that security is erratic. /Yonhap
By Choi Ha-young, Park Si-soo
The Athletes’ Village is a tangible symbol of the Olympic Spirit ― a place where athletes become “one” regardless of countries of origin, race, ideology or other secular values that divide the world.
But the village for the Rio Olympics is challenging this time-honored tradition. Some athletes have “evacuated” the village because of what they claim are “poor conditions,” which they fear could put their Olympic dreams in jeopardy.
Many athletes complain that the flush pressure in toilets is not powerful enough, leaving human waste.
Athletes also claim the ceilings in some rooms get wet when it rains, while others staying on upper floors say they cannot get enough water because of low pressure.
The athletes also say that stairway lights frequently turn off at night, leaving residents exposed to possible accidents.
For these reasons, athletes from Argentina, Sweden and Japan have refused to stay in the village.
The U.S. basketball team is staying on a luxury cruise ship anchored in the port city. /Twitter
The U.S. made sure the rooms for its athletes were fixed before the team arrived. The U.S. basketball team is staying on a luxury cruise ship anchored in the port city.
“We don’t stay in the village. We don’t feel it’s the best way to prepare. The players have a long season and they want to spend time with family,” said spokesman Craig Miller.
The ship, which has 196 rooms, a casino, swimming pool and fitness center, arrived last week. Five hundred minders are dedicated to the players’ security.
Water pressure also seems to be an issue for South Korean athletes.
“Please don’t put toilet paper in toilets! Toilets vomit poo water,” says a sign in an elevator. /Yonhap
“Please don’t put toilet paper in toilets! Toilets vomit poo water,” says a sign in an elevator.
Star volleyball player Kim Yeon-kyoung complained to the situation room that there was no cold water.
There have also been complaints that meals are nutritionally unbalanced.
South Korea, Canada and several other countries are operating their own restaurants to provide their players with properly balanced meals.