(ATR) International Modern Pentathlon Union president Klaus Schormann tells Around the Rings the federation is impressed with the progress made since January.
The second Modern Pentathlon World Cup event of 2016 on March 10-14 served as the test event for the sport. All venues in Deodoro that will serve the five disciplines of the sport, equestrian, fencing, running, shooting, and swimming were tested.
"What I have seen so far is absolutely fantastic; we are more surprised in many parts," Schormann said to ATR.
"We thought maybe there would be difficulties still, but I say there are no difficulties. We are happy with Rio 2016, and with the national federation. What they have promised they have fulfilled."
Schormann expressed total confidence that the remaining infrastructure upgrades, the temporary seating structures and media setup, will be finalized weeks before the Games. He added that UIPM officials are in contact with those in Rio de Janeiro daily, so that if changes need to be made they can be done so before the venue has been finalized.
In addition to confidence in the structures, Schormann believes that all of the athletes and horses competing in Rio will be taken care of. If they are happy, then the spectators paying to see modern pentathlon will be happy with the high level competition shown.
"I am really happy for the athletes they are finding great opportunities to perform on the highest level," Schormann added. "The big show will be for the Games when you have the feeling around 15,000 spectators and set up the facilities to see and understand what it means the sport of modern pentathlon."
For athletes participating in Rio, the event seemed like any other World Cup stop and even if minor mistakes were made they did not reflect on the organization.
Robert Kasza, from Hungary, told ATR he expects the Olympic Games in 2016 to be "perfect" and he is excited for the final 150 days to pass until the competition begins.
"I think this venue is something like an Olympic venue," Kasza added. "There were some mistakes, but each competition has some mistakes so it is normal."
Although the air conditioning at the Youth Arena, the host of fencing during pentathlon, was not turned on Kasza said it did not affect competition. Fellow pentathlete from Italy, Ricardo de Luca said competition was not affected, but it could have been a few degrees cooler for the athlete’s sake. He added that the volunteers at the event have made sure that athletes needs have been taken care of no matter what.
"I think the field the last few years has improved and the venue is not bad it's a professional venue, and it is getting better and better for the Olympics," De Luca added. "I think Rio and Brazil still have a few months to get everything good looking and what they need, so I feel happy and comfortable."
Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro
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