IOC Vice President: Rio 2016 Preparations ‘The Worst I Have Experienced’, And There’s No Plan B

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The AOC President and IOC Vice President, John Coates, has described Rio’s preparations for the 2016 Olympics as “the worst I have experienced” and “worse than Athens” (2004).

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Coates, who has made six visits to Rio as a member of the IOC Coordination Commission responsible for overseeing Games’ preparations said today the IOC has been forced to take “unprecedented” action embedding IOC experts in Rio’s Organising Committee to ensure the Games proceed.

Attending an Olympic Forum in Sydney he told delegates construction has not commenced on some venues, infrastructure is significantly delayed and water quality is a major concern just two years out from the Games. “The city also has social issues that need to be addressed”.

“The IOC has formed a special task force to try and speed up preparations but the situation is critical on the ground. The IOC has adopted a more hands on role, it is unprecedented for the IOC but there is no plan B. We are going to Rio” he said.