Triathletes Call Rio Pollution Reports "Too Little, Too Late" -- On the Scene

(ATR) Triathletes in Rio de Janeiro say that they are prepared to race next year despite concerns over water quality.

Rio 2016 held a test event for triathlon and para-triathlon over the weekend on Copacabana beach. The waters were some of those named in an AP report that showed dangerous level of both bacteria and viruses, the latter of which was previously untested by the IOC and Rio 2016 organizers.

"I had no problems in there, and I’ll definitely be back next year swimming in there," Gwen Jorgensen, the winner of the women’s elite race, said post-race.

"The course was really good. There was a hill. The swim and the hill make it difficult. I don’t know if this is what I was expected, but I love the view with the ocean and the mountains."

Richard Murray, a South African triathlete, said he would "see tomorrow or tonight perhaps" if the water affected him in a negative way. After finishing third in the elite men’s race, Murray said that he doesn’t think the controversy around the water will deter athlete participation, as everyone is hungry to race.

"There have been events where people have gotten sick. I got sick last year in Stockholm," Murray said.

"They cannot be putting 70 guys in water that is not good enough, but when I was swimming, the water felt pretty good. I think it doesn’t matter. We’ve swum in some really bad places before."

United States triathlete Sarah True believes that participating in the events represents a "calculated risk" for all athletes, but it will not deter her from racing next year. True - along with Jorgensen - qualified for the Olympics based on her overall position and the race's status as a U.S. Olympic trial.

"Ultimately, the Olympic dream is so strong that we sometimes put pursuit of excellence above our health," True said.

"In our perspective, [the AP report] was too little too late. I realize from the outside perspective, it probably looks very different. Hopefully there is some follow up in the future, but we can’t move. There has been too much money that has been invested. This is our time."

For Vicky Holland from Great Britain, she says that her national federation has assured the athletes that the water is safe, which is more than enough for her to compete.

"I take that as if it says it is okay, it is okay," Holland said.

"I’ll let you know tomorrow if I’m okay. I think it was really important to come a year out and evaluate the course. It is all around a great course and it is good to do acclimatization before you come here."

Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro

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