On the 2nd of October in 2009, Rio De Janeiro was told they would hold the 2016 Olympics. It became the first South American city to host the prestigious event. Well, maybe they bit more off than they could chew—by a lot.
The first sight of unreadiness came back in April, when a newly constructed bike path collapsed after being hit with a fluke wave. There were two tragedies in the incident; an incident that unveiled just how ready they are for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Fun fact: Brazil spent most of the late 2000 on an economic streak running in their favor. While the USA and most of Europe fell into a recession, Brazil flourished being at it's prime in 2010.
So what the hell happened?
The International Olympic Committee awarded Rio de Janeiro the game as a way to help Brazil further it's growth and give South America their first Olympics! By 2014, the committed was suggesting that Rio may had been the least prepared host in it's history (yikes, Brazil!).The struggles began when prices for Brazil's main exports dropped dramatically. A state-ran oil company became engulfed in a scandal that left most consumers worried and apprehensive. Unemployment began to rise as wages fell. Inflation rose, and suddenly Brazilians were found struggling to keep up with the standards of living they chose when the economy was booming.
Add a political crisis with their President Dilma Rousseff manipulating the countries budget to make it seem more well off than it was for the 2014 presidential elections, along with a congress under investigation for corruption and money laundering and you've suddenly reached a melting point.
The results.
All of a sudden, you've given yourself a struggling economy that's only made it much more difficult to cover the expensive projects that come with hosting. For example, Guanabara Bay. Brazil was expected to spend $4 billion dollars to clean the polluted bay where sailing and rowing will take place. It spent just $170 million. Police Budgets have been cut by one-third, causing an increase in crime by 15 percent within the first four months of 2016. Striking police officers were seen holding a sign at the international airport reading, "Welcome to Hell … Whoever comes to Rio de Janeiro will not be safe." By June, the acting governor of Rio de Janeiro state declared a state of financial disaster in order to rearrange its budget. He requested nearly $900 million in federal funding.
Enraged by a government who are more focused on the tourists that come and go throughout the country. The people of Rio are frustrated that the government has been so willing to spend money on certain parts of the city while neglecting the run-down parts where more attention is needed. The Olympics is seen by the people as an excuse to spend excessive money into making the city look good.
Here are four ways Brazil has already screwed up.
1. Guanabara Bay
Has tons of raw sewage pumped into the waters every day! After testing had been done, large traces of antibiotic resistant bacteria were found within the waters.
"It can cause respiratory problems and tract problems.Irritates your eyes, causes severe headaches, dizziness and vomiting," says Mario Moscatelli, a marine biologist about the lagoon.
The U.S. has taken the initiative to give their teams antimicrobial suits in an attempt to combat the putrid waters. Doctors have also recommended the competing athletes to keep their mouths and eyes shut throughout the water events.
2. The City of Barra
This place is home to the athletes competing throughout the games. It has become a gated community constructed by wealthy realtors within the area. It is where the Olympic Park has called it's home as well. The city however has had it's set of local and international problems. Locally, it has pushed out communities to subsidized houses far from sight of international eyes, compensating them with a sum amount of money. Out of the 600 communities, only 20 have successfully rioted. They've come to agreement with city officials to stay with the exception of modernizing and refurnishing their favela houses.
Internationally, countries have complained about the accommodations made for them. There have been reports of faulty wiring and backed up toilets. Some so bad, that the Australia relocated to a different hotel for a set time until the issue had been resolved. Slightly after, there was an evacuation after a fire where plenty of goods where reportedly stolen from the athletes.
(Fun fact: The R in Barra is actually pronounced like an H)
The new Olympic Park can be seen from the inside of a demolished favela house.
3. Sketchy Transport
Rio de Janeiro is ranked the fourth most congested city in the world. In an attempt to combat the dense traffic the country of Brazil constructed a new subway line that has recently been completely. The subway however has yet been tested is unsure as to whether or not it will hold the crowds drawn by the Olympics. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
4. Violence
Crime rates within the city have gone up since the start of the year. Over 1,500 have already been killed this year alone within the favela's. Australia athletes were held at gunpoint and mugged within the last month. Spanish sailors have also been caught in the crossfire of a gun fight by Rio street kids. This has called for a huge call for safety, Brazil having deployed 85,000 soldiers.
The added security has already dealt with a couple incidents, one of them happening during the opening night of the olympics when protestors attacked from every angle attempting to extinguish the torch.
Whether or not the Olympics finish running smoothly is to become unfolded, Brazil may just benefit from the low expectations. One thing is certain is that the strain the 17 day event has put on Brazil will become a burden to it's people once the International Olympic Committee packs it's things and goes. The deeper problems it faces have surfaced thanks to the publicity brought by event, so in one retrospect they can hope to see changes now that they are known international. Only time will tell.
On a positive note, Olympians can now smoke weed—just not during the day of the event!
