With the summer 2016 Rio Olympics underway, the media is buzzing with constant updates on our favorite sports and news about winning gold. Thus far, Team USA has won 27* medals, a fair share for the largest team competing. However, the media has also been buzzing with controversy surrounding the 2016 Summer Olympics. From issues with water quality to a political scandal, many believe that Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the first South-American country to host the Olympics, was devastatingly unprepared.

Water Quality

Dead fish and waste on the shore of Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro in January of 2016. Photo: Ricardo Moraes

As good of a topic to start with as any, let's discuss the issues with the water in Rio. For athletes who will be in the water for the Olympics, such as those competing in sailing or marathon swimming, the quality of the water is, and rightfully so, a major concern. The water that the athletes will be competing in is contaminated with raw human sewage and waste, and is therefore teeming with all sorts of bacteria and viruses. Because of this, thousands of athletes and spectators are at risk of disease. However, athletes are doing their best to take precautions, such as avoiding being splashed or avoiding coming in bodily contact with the water if possible, wearing protective suits, taking antibiotics and bleaching their oars.

Zika Virus

The next issue with the Rio Olympics concerning people around the world is the notorious Zika virus. Zika can be spread by a certain species of mosquitoes, and women who are pregnant are especially at risk. The Zika virus is particularly common in Central and South American countries, such as Brazil. Zika cannot be treated and can cause paralysis. However, this is arguably not the biggest concern surrounding the Rio Olympics considering that in Rio, it is winter and mosquitoes are much less prevalent.

Economic Crisis

Not to mention, Brazil has been in a serious economic crisis for months. They are currently in the worst recession in history since the 1930's. In fact, just 49 days prior to the Olympics beginning, the governor of Rio declared a financial state of emergency. Due to this financial crisis, the state government has been forced to cut budgets for health, education and security. Granted, when it was decided that the 2016 Summer Olympics were to be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009, the economy was not tanked and in fact, held a lot of promise.

Issues with Security and Riots

Angry police officers greet travelers at an airport with this sign. Photo: Twitter

As mentioned previously, due to the financial crisis, the budgets for security in Rio have been cut. These cuts have delayed the salaries of policemen and many others, and partially due to this, strikes and riots have broken out across Rio de Janeiro. A photo that trended throughout media is shown above reading, "WELCOME TO HELL. POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS DON'T GET PAID, WHOEVER COMES TO RIO DE JANEIRO WILL NOT BE SAFE." The sign is also being held by angry police officers. On top of this, anti-Olympic riots have been breaking out throughout the city as well. Just days ago on the night of the opening ceremony, tear gas was fired at angry rioters. Angry protest mobs have broken out in the Brazilian city of São Paulo as well. Riots and little to no security seems like a recipe for disaster, and is certainly a major issue concerning the Rio Olympics.

Political Scandal and Corruption

Last but not least, the political scandal is another concern related to the Olympics. The Petrobras scheme that occurred in Brazil was the largest and most devastating corruption scheme in the history of the country. Petrobras is Brazil's state-owned oil company. The Petrobras scandal began in 2004, but investigation into the scandal did not start until 2014. Funds were secretly diverted and money was laundered. The scandal deeply affected Brazil's economy for the worst. Along with this, Brazil's president, Dilma Rousseff, is being impeached. The process of her impeachment began in 2015. Along with other charges, she was accused of being a part of the Petrobras scandal.

So, was Rio ready for the Olympics? Who's to say? Regardless, the Olympics were just as anticipated and just as exciting to watch as every year. Go Team USA!

* 27 depicted the number of medals Team USA had at the time this article was written.