An Olympic ramp collapse at the Marina da Gloria, site of the 2016 Games sailing venue, added to questions about the state of readiness in Rio de Janeiro, from security to construction to pollution.
No injuries were reported when the sailing competition ramp collapsed, reported the Washington Post. Its failure on Saturday was blamed on high winds and stormy seas.
With opening ceremonies slated for Friday, questions remain about construction quality, readiness of sports venues and security at living quarters at the Olympic Village, noted the Post.
"It would be wrong to make a great deal of the ramp collapse," Mark Adams, International Olympic Committee spokesman, told The Associated Press. "In the run-up to the games, things happen."
The AP noted that construction at Rio's venues has been under scrutiny since April when an elevated bike path being built in time for the Games collapsed, killing two people. Strong winds were blamed when water inundated television studios on Copacabana Beach near the volleyball arena, as well.
Questions about Guanabara Bay, where the sailing competition is being held, have continued after sewage was found in the water, according to USA Today.
"Before the Games were awarded, there were pledges from organizers that 80 percent of sewage would be treated before being dumped into the bay, where sailing and open-water swimming events will be staged," recalled Martin Rogers of USA Today. "Even the Games' own spin doctors long ago admitted that has no chance of happening."
Luiz Goldfeld, who lives on a houseboat near the sailing competition, told USA Today that while he was initially excited when Brazil won the Olympic Games, he feels that a chance to clean up the area has been a missed opportunity.
"What an opportunity," Goldfeld told USA Today. "There was a chance to make this place wonderful again, but they have wasted it. There was too much corruption and no political will to get it done."
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