If there is one thing that brings the world together, it is the excitement we feel while watching the Olympic Games. The 2016 Olympic Games are being held in Rio this time around but some are saying that may have been a mistake. There are many factors that go in to how Rio could be affecting the games this year and these are three that I consider to have a definite impact.

Weather in Rio

Rio is experiencing their winter right now. The fact that the whole world doesn't experience summer at the same time as me is something that still baffles me as an adult, but it's true. During the winter months in Brazil, there are frequent weather changes -- and due to Rios placement near the mountains, wind changes are a definite concern.

High wind speeds actually tore panels off of the side of the Aquatic Stadium, which were apparently used to control the temperature within the building. Some events have even been called off due to the harsh changes in weather. It seems that the wind takes the cake when it comes to disturbing the peace for this years Olympic Games, considering the fact that a rowing regatta was called off after the winds created choppy waters that refused to let up -- two boats were actually capsized during practice the morning of this event.

It looks like mother-nature hasn't been too keen on the decision to hold the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

Economy and Politics

While watching the games on your television in the comfort of your own home, it is hard to remember that Brazil is going through their own financial and political turmoil. Brazil is facing a horrible financial crisis and in turn, President Dilma Rousseff may be facing a possible impeachment.

Many people were worried about what would happen if Rio was allowed to host the Olympics. Some people felt that Brazil wouldn't be able to pull it together in time; however, there were also those who brushed off the doubt:

"One of the great things about Brazilians is that they love throwing a great party." -- Tony Azevedo (U.S water polo)

President Rousseff is hoping to spin hosting the Olympics in her favor in order to avoid her own possible impeachment. She wants to show people that if they can pull off an event like the Olympics, they should be able to pull their country out of financial strife.

Despite the economic and political issues going on in Brazil, they promised that they would be able to pull themselves together in time for the games, which is what got them the job of host.

There are some issues with promises made by Brazil in terms of how they planned to transform the city in time for the games. The Athlete Village has been deemed completely uninhabitable:

"The Australian Olympic Committee confirmed on Sunday evening that the athletes’ village has been deemed uninhabitable in the short term due to significant plumbing and electrical concerns. Problems include blocked toilets, leaking pipes, exposed wiring, darkened stairwells where no lighting has been installed and dirty floors in need of a massive clean."

Basically, the village is falling apart in is completely unfit to live in. For an event such as the Olympics, we expected better from the host country.

Zika Virus

One of the first things that I noticed while watching the games was that there seemed to be far less people attending the Olympics as spectators. This could have been caused by the fear of the Zika Virus outbreak. Though the virus presents itself as a common flu, many people are wary of it spreading due to it being linked with birth defects. Many children in Brazil have been reported as being born with abnormally small heads and other birth defects.

Many spectators and even athletes have been warned against their decision to travel to Rio for the games due to the increasing spread of the virus. Others claim that there really isnt any reason to fear the virus so much but I personally wouldn't want it spreading through America as much as it has in Brazil...even if it's already here.

While watching the games on television, it's hard to look past all the hype and excitement. You're focusing on the next race or the next event, you're not thinking about the living conditions that the athletes have been placed in, or the fact that the zika virus looms around every corner, or even that the host country itself is falling apart at the seems while you watch Michael Phelps win another gold medal.

This goes to show that not only can the Olympic Games bring people together, but it can also hide the true turmoil a country may be facing. As mentioned before, Brazilians love to throw a good party.