(ATR) Whether pools with green water or a gold medalist robbed at gunpoint, Rio 2016 has had to endure its unfortunate share of mishaps so far in these Olympics.
But what Rio 2016 cannot provide, the gods have come to the rescue.
Take the setting of the beach volleyball venue perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in Copacabana. The Olympic rings with the undulations of the sea behind are a sight to behold and help answer the question of "why Rio". An organizing committee can build the venue but it needs a glorious place to put it, and that place is Copacabana.
Farther down the beach on Monday, the sun shone on the open water swim for women. The 10K race is being held in the Atlantic Ocean for the first time ever for an Olympics.
While Rio 2016 has failed to execute its look of the Games as first envisioned, overlook the absence of decoration and focus instead on the mountains jutting up behind and the blue sky above. No other Summer Olympic city has managed to offer such a dramatic backdrop.
Yes there have been some problems at venues with logistics, transportation and catering but it’s a problem only for the media, volunteers and spectators in the arena. What the world sees from Rio de Janeiro isn’t problems and complaints. What flows from these venues so far in Rio de Janeiro is a steady stream of Olympic champions, some setting records that may never be broken.
How might Michael Phelps be eclipsed by a greater swimmer one day? Is Usain Bolt the greatest sprinter ever in the annals of the Olympics?
The gods must have been smiling on Rio de Janeiro -- at least until Monday afternoon. They played tricks with high winds that brought down signage and a camera, and rain washed over the Olympic Stadium to make a soggy night of athletics.
Shopping for Bossa Nova
On a side street in Copacabana where the bossa nova was said to be born, there’s a shop that sells CDs, instruments and books about the beloved musical style. Bossa Nova & Companhia, R. Duvivier, 37 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22020-050 Tel (21) 2295-8096 .
Open 0900 to 1900, Mon-Fri, till 1700 Sat, closed Sunday.
Did the Olympics Help Favelas?
ATR Rio de Janeiro reporter Aaron Bauer has the story of what the Olympics mean to one favela.
Medal Events for Tuesday, Aug. 16
Athletes in badminton, canoe sprint, synchronized swimming and doubles table tennis get their first chances to reach the Olympic podium on Tuesday.
Medal races and matches continue for athletics, boxing, diving, sailing and wrestling while competitors in artistic gymnastics, track cycling, marathon swimming and weightlifting will have their final opportunities for glory in Rio.
Meteorology
Tuesday in Rio will feature partly cloudy skies with a high of 29c and a low of 20c. Temperatures will rise to as high as 31c on Wednesday with clear skies, continuing the heat wave as the Games near its conclusion.
Written by Ed Hula.
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