Bold Claim for 2016 Olympics
Eduardo Paes, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, has bold claims for the 2016 Olympics set to come to his city.
"Congratulations to London, but Rio will be more beautiful," he was quoted telling reporters by AFP on Monday.
He added that construction for the Games is moving "full steam" ahead and everything is on schedule.
"They are going very well. Work on the Olympic Park has started," he said.
"The Athletes' Village is in full swing, the infrastructure works in full swing, we are fully on schedule."
Work on the Olympic Park will now be able to move ahead with the demolition of the Jacarepaguá race track. The Rio Olympic Park is scheduled to be built on the site. The final auto races of the track’s history were held over the weekend.
On Monday, Paes opened the "2016 is Now: London to Rio, Examples and Lessons for 2016."
He said he would use the Games to "sell" the city to investors.
"We want to show that Rio is, in addition to being a beautiful place with happy people, a good place to invest."
"We have to understand that the event has begun," Paes added. "People look to Rio de Janeiro with more attention, not just for the 15 days [of the Olympics]. We have to make the most of and improve the city's image."
Olympic Comeback for Phelps?
Despite adamantly saying he is retiring from the Olympics following the London Games, Michael Phelps could make his return to the Games in 2016.
Maybe.
Phelps, in Rio for a promotional tour, told reporters he would return to the Olympics if he could "somehow" become an "amazing golfer", the swimmer joked with reporters.
He put the odds of that happening at "very unlikely."
His mother has pushed him to continue competing through 2016.
"I have already told her I will not be competing, so do not get her hopes up," he said.
On Tuesday, Phelps met with Rio 2016 president Carlos Arthur Nuzman, telling him that he will return to the Olympics – as a spectator – according to a statement from the organizing committee.
"I am very eager to live the Games experience in Rio. This visit was short, but I hope it will be the first of many until 2016," he said.
Nuzman praised Phelps and his career.
"Congratulations for all that you have done, not only for the swimming, but for the sport and the Olympic Movement. I hope you may be back in Rio and enjoy our Games."
Written by Ed Hula III.
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