RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – No one seriously questions any more whether Rio de Janeiro will be ready for the 2016 Olympics.
A year ago, an International Olympic Committee vice president called Rio’s preparations the “worst” in memory. But since then, work has accelerated as Brazil builds sports arenas, transportation links and hotels.
U.S. network NBC is already airing spots with the headline: “Rio Olympics are coming next summer.”
Despite chaotic planning, Brazil pulled off last year’s World Cup. Olympic preparations also got off to a troubled start. Despite the progress, deadlines are repeatedly described a “tight” or “tense.”
Rio’s preparations will come under the spotlight next week, with International Olympic Committee inspectors starting a three-day tour Monday. IOC President Thomas Bach will also be in town, and the IOC executive board will hold a three-day meeting later in the week.