RIO DE JANEIRO (Yonhap) -- With the start of the 2016 Summer Olympics approaching, host city Rio de Janeiro has long been dealing with security and public health challenges.
Uncomfortable conditions at the athletes’ village have also emerged as problems, with blocked toilets and exposed wires among them. Those from Australia, Argentina, Sweden and Japan have already chosen to settle down outside.
South Korean athletes officially welcomed into the living quarters on Tuesday also said they’ve experienced some issues.
“To be honest, the facilities are inconvenient,” said Oh Young-ran, a veteran goalkeeper for the women’s handball team. “But it’s been a week and I think I’ve gotten used to them.”
Oh, in her fifth Olympics, said she and her teammates have also had troubles with toilets.
“It’s just uncomfortable to take showers,” she added. “I also heard about some theft, and it just makes me feel uneasy.”
Sabre fencer Gu Bon-gil said he feels the bathroom and the bedroom are both too small for athletes.
“This is my second Olympics and I’ve been to some Asian Games, too,” he said. “And I think the facilities in Rio are far worse.”
Shin A-lam, who competes in women’s epee, was the resident optimist.
“I had absolutely no expectation before coming here,” she said. “And this is actually not as bad as I’d feared.”
Chung Mong-gyu, head of the South Korean delegation, played the role of diplomat.
“There may be some issues, but we’d like to thank the Rio organizing committee for its efforts,” Chung said. “Our athletes aren’t distracted and they’re doing the best they can to prepare of the Olympics.”
An official with the South Korean delegation said aside from the golfers, who will stay at a hotel close to Olympic Golf Course, other athletes have yet to join the exodus.