Crisis renews Olympic Games concerns in Brazil

Subject

The outlook for the Rio Olympic Games.

Significance

Within less than 100 days, the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro will start. While all competition sites are almost ready, transit infrastructure may still be incomplete by the August 5 opening date. Political turmoil and fears of public health problems caused by water contamination in competition sites and the Zika virus cast doubts on whether the event will run without major problems.

Impacts

• The metro line that connects the Olympic Park to the rest of the city is not completed yet; authorities say it will be open in July.
• The collapse of a cycle overpass left two dead and renewed doubts over the safety of other Games-related construction.
• Together with political and health problems, it also deepened concerns over Rio's ability to host the Olympics successfully.