Athletes, Sponsors Ready for Rio 2016 Despite Controversies -- Media Watch

(ATR) Olympic athletes are building up excitement for the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro with the Olympics now just one month away.

Athletes are continuing to train in order to reach their peak just in time for the Games while being careful not to over-train or injure themselves.

Over the weekend, possibly the most anticipated athlete at this year’s Olympics Usain Bolt sustained a hamstring injury at the Olympic trials in Jamaica. Bolt immediately went for treatment in Europe and will attempt to still qualify for the Olympics at a meet in London prior to the Games.

The Sydney Morning Herald provides a preview of the track and field competition at Rio 2016 with the impact of Bolt’s potential absence and the situation with the Russian track ban.

Those still actively training took to Twitter to show their excitement with one month to go.

ONE month out from RIO! Less then that till our 1st match v AUS😁 The hard work continues so we ready! #CanWNT 🍁#AFTA pic.twitter.com/R30MiOBJIb

— Desiree Scott (@MsDScott11) July 5, 2016

Never be ashamed of a scar, it simply means you were stronger then wtv tried to hurt u. A month till @Rio2016_en pic.twitter.com/7AK5dab1G4

— Maxim Bouchard (@maximbouchard) July 4, 2016

International and National Federations also used the countdown as an opportunity to promote their sports on Twitter. World Rugby announced the schedules for both the men’s and women’s Rio 2016 tournaments while USA Gymnastics posted a photo with athletes and the hashtag #RioReady.

1 Month To Go 🇧🇷

Men's #Rio2016 #Sevens schedule:https://t.co/51zSsWKK4x pic.twitter.com/bdcXqmUx7d

— World Rugby ConfEx (@WorldRugbyConf) July 5, 2016

One month. #RioReady pic.twitter.com/lbX0XbJVE7

— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) July 5, 2016

However, not everyone is looking at the milestone with the same fervor. Brazilian footballer Rivaldo Ferreira posted a warning to tourists on Instagram that showed the picture of a teenager who was recently killed in Rio. The conversation talks about many of the security issues still clouding the lead up to the Games.

The Indian Express details more of the controversies surrounding the Games besides security such as the Zika virus, water quality and the unstable political and economic climate. The site also provides a look at a few of the venues that will be used during the Games.

Organizers of the Rio Games used the countdown as an opportunity to provide a few updates about transportation projects and the new Olympic Museum in Rio also via Twitter.

Legacy-The new Transoeste connection has decreased commuting time between Santa Cruz and Barra from 1hr and 42mins to 53mins. #1MonthToGo

— Rio 2016 (@Rio2016_en) July 5, 2016

Just one month until the Olympic Games in Rio! It's a perfect day to launch a new Olympic museum in Rio! #RoadToRio pic.twitter.com/woSQNknRnu

— Rio 2016 (@Rio2016_en) July 5, 2016

Sponsors are also ramping up marketing efforts ahead of the Games. U.S. host broadcaster NBC celebrated the countdown with a Tweet and recently announced an unprecedented number of coverage hours during the Olympics. Olympic TOP Sponsor Atos also took to Twitter to express excitement in the upcoming event.

Only ONE more month until #Rio2016! #RoadToRio pic.twitter.com/kX53c4nQHj

— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) July 5, 2016

Did you know that we have proven 24-year delivery record for the #Olympic Games? #1MonthToGo https://t.co/XVbbZh4ZBE pic.twitter.com/UPMsHyEA7I

— Atos (@Atos) July 5, 2016

The Rio 2016 Olympics begin Aug. 5 and conclude on Aug. 21.

Compiled by Kevin Nutley and Victoria Croft

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