Rio 2016 Wrestling Tune-up Offers Zika Protection Test

(ATR) Female wrestlers competing in Rio tell Around the Rings the Zika virus remains on their minds, but only as a risk of competing in a foreign country.

Fifty female wrestlers from eight countries competed in the sport’s test event at the weekend at Carioca Arena 1 in the Olympic Park. Wrestlers from all four Olympic weight classes in freestyle wrestling were present.

As the Olympic Movement continues to deal with the threat of Zika to competitors and spectators at the 2016 Games, those travelling to Rio to compete in the run-up are adhering to as many protocols as possible to protect themselves from falling ill.

Those most at risk from the virus are women who are pregnant or are planning to have children. Zika has been found to cause birth defects in babies born from pregnant women with the virus. But experts say that close to 80 percent of those infected bear no symptoms, exacerbating the risks.

U.S. wrestlers tell ATRthey have been prohibited from spending time at the outdoor pool in their hotel. They have been encouraged to wear clothing that covers all their skin and insect repellent when travelling outside, even in the heart of Rio’s winter.

Japanese wrestling coach Shigeo Kinase toldATR the team is using repellent brought from Japan, "and we are avoiding leaving the hotel so there is no danger".

"The fact that we are only here for a short time it does not seem fair for me to freak out about [the virus] to that extent, as this is something the people of Brazil have to deal with on a daily basis," Adeline Gray, three-time world champion from the U.S. said.

"I think if I was going to have a child in the next month, I would be extremely uneasy about this and maybe that would have changed my decision. Being sick for a few years is a big risk to take, but I’m trying to do something special and that’s going to take precedence."

Gustavo Nascimento, Rio 2016 venue management director, toldATR that the organizing committee is working with federal, state, and municipal authorities in Rio de Janeiro to come up with the best solution to protect Games attendees from the virus.

"Actions are being taken with special vehicles and informing the community so the work has been done so far and will continue on the way to the Games so we’re sure going to be safe," Nascimento said.

"Internal discussions" have taken place with the IOC, International Paralympic Committee, NOCs and international federations to ensure there is a "mitigated risk" for everyone attending Rio," he added.

Nascimento declined to share the feedback from those discussions, but added "we are absolutely sure that transparency is 100% on the table," regarding how members of the Olympic Movement are tackling the issue.

Even with the enhanced precautions against Zika, athletes said the test event in Rio was an important preparation for the Games and well-run.

"The people are very nice and very excited... they are here trying to help us and being flexible," Gray said of the organization. "This is a different scene for us, the seats are really pretty with all the different colors and everything. I like the set-up and the mats, and all the volunteers are doing a really great job."

Gray’s teammate Alyssa Lampe said the test event was a confidence booster to the upcoming Olympic qualifying."I really like it. It is great to have a test event to see a dry run before having the Olympics," Lampe said.

Brazilian wrestler Aline Silva told reporters that the event results were not that important, but getting a glimpse of the sporting legacy the country will receive was interesting."Volunteers have helped with the event, they will not let you get lost, make us feel first at the event, like you feel at the Games," Silva said. "You still see work everywhere, but I liked the place, I am happy to know that Brazil will have gyms and arenas of this quality."

Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro

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