The split between Olympic leaders and global anti-doping officials over the Russian doping scandal continues to deepen.
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Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said on Monday all decisions about the participation of Russian sportspeople at the Rio Olympics would be made by Tuesday, R-Sport news agency reported.
Calls for a blanket ban grew after Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren, who was commissioned to investigate by the World Anti-Doping Agency, issued a report accusing Russia’s sport ministry of orchestrating a vast doping scheme involving athletes in more than two dozen winter and summer sports.
The games are just days away with the opening ceremony set for Friday evening at the Maracana Stadium.
“In a time when the country is divided politically, economically and socially, the transformation of Rio de Janeiro is truly historic”.
Vitaly Mutko spoke during a visit to Paris-based UNESCO on Monday where he presented a report on what is being done in Russia to fight doping – after the World Anti-Doping Agency accused the Russian government of directing a vast cover-up. Organizers are blaming strong waves and poor design.
Sailors, rowers, swimmers and other watersports competitors have all expressed concern about the water quality and high concentrations of bacterial and viral pathogens.
Australia’s troubled Olympic preparations have hit another snag with nearly a third of the women’s water polo team ill and in quarantine. Her elevation comes at a crucial time for the USA, with Los Angeles bidding for the 2024 Olympics.
The chief spokesman for the Rio Olympics says, “I can guarantee in the name of Rio 2016 that the athletes can compete in safety”.
The athletes shared photos of themselves on social media enjoying the picturesque Olympic village which boasts stunning views of nearby mountains as they settled in at the complex in Barra de Tijuca to the west of the city.
“We have a good level of confidence and ability and combined with that, a great attitude of being positive and backing ourselves”.
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The irony of suffering gastroenteritis before arriving in Brazil will not be lost on the players, with some athletes concerned about what they might pick up once they start competing.
