This is the time of year that most of us are excited for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Teams from 206 different countries will be competing (except for Russia's weightlifting team, as they were banned) in 42 different sports and 306 different events. While we are so excited for all of the events, such as archery, judo, and rhythmic gymnastics, there has been controversy surrounding Rio as the host of the 2016 Olympic Games.
Before you get too excited though, here's a few things that Olympians should be worried about and viewers should be aware of:
1. The Zika Virus
Amid news of the Zika virus here in the U.S. (specifically, Florida), there is an outbreak of the virus in Brazil. The virus is primarily spread through mosquito bites. Despite this epidemic, the World Health Organization is letting Brazil continue with the Olympic Games, although pregnant women were advised not to go to the events or even the Paralympics. It's highly advised for travelers, citizens and athletes to use condoms, insect repellent and get health advice.
2. Water Contamination
Rio has made efforts to clean up their polluted waters, but there hasn't been much of a difference. Water pollution is still a big problem in Brazil, with human waste, sewage and garbage contaminating the waters. A drug-resistant "super bacteria" was also found on beaches in Rio. There are high levels of viruses and bacteria in the waters, and both boaters and swimmers risk getting seriously infected by competing. Athletes have been warned against having their mouths open while in the water.
3. Rio's Economic Crisis
Brazil is facing a recession worse than America did a few years ago, one that is on par with the 1930's. Unemployment is high among young adults and important budgets have been slashed (such as the police budget) while inflation is high. At the end of June, the state governor of Rio declared a state of financial emergency. This meant that--other than the Olympic Games--the public infrastructure was failing. The city was about to be in the midst of a collapse of health, education, and public transportation. Rio also just got a huge bailout from the state government in the amount of $850 million.
4. Brazilians feel there are more important things than the Olympic Games
Citizens aren't really happy with the Olympic Games happening in Rio and feel as though there are worse problems that need to be taken care of such as closing hospitals and missed payments to teachers and retired workers. It is true: crime rates have risen and police are lacking suitable resources. There's an economic and political crisis going on ahead of the games. A poll showed that 60 percent of citizens felt that the Olympic Games weren't bringing anything good to the table. Police violence is high.
While we should be excited that the Olympic Games are back, we shouldn't be dazzled by the pretty lights and positivity that's sure to be shown throughout the Games. After the Olympics end, the athletes and travelers will be able to leave but the people of Brazil won't. They'll still have to live in poor conditions and deal with an economic crisis that the Olympic Games most likely contributed to.
