Rio 2016 Troubleshooter: Water Test Events Not Stopping

(ATR) Gilbert Felli tells Around the Rings that water venues in Rio 2016 meet international standards and test events will continue.

"We know that the tests are made in the water and that criteria have been given [to the IOC],"Felli told ATR on the sidelines of the triathlon test event.

"They show and so far every competition has been going on given that framework, so we don’t feel any problem with that. As we have said, the needs of the athletes are important, and are priority for us."

After a report from the AP showed elevated levels of viruses and bacteria, the IOC said they will retest the waters under the new international standards. For now, the competitions will go on.

Felli is the former executive director of the IOC who stepped down from the post last year. He now focuses full time on monitoring the troubleshooting the preparations in Rio de Janeiro.

As the bulk of the test event program begins, Felli believes that the Games will come together in the final year of preparations, like every Olympic Games.

"One year from the Games, it is always tense of every aspect," Felli added.

"There are so many implications between different aspects. It is always tense, but it is nothing special here. This is why we have the test events.

"You test your ability or organize. You test your teams. You test the facilities, and we are happy with the development of the preparations of the venues."

Felli is in Rio for the one-year-to-go celebrations as well as to check in on the test event program. Rio 2016 is currently testing outdoor sports to mimic the climate conditions during the Olympics and Paralympics. Triathlon, rowing and equestrian will all have test events while Felli is in town.

"It is a heavy program, which is very difficult on the [organizing committee] teams because the teams have to prepare for the Games, and at the same time they have to work on the test events," Felli said.

"The pressure on the system is enormous, but it is the best education."

Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro

Homepage photo: Getty Images

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