RIO DE JANEIRO — Sailors and other athletes preparing for the Olympics have been training for months in contaminated waters where the Rio Games will be held. Many believe moving events now would put them at a disadvantage, even though water-quality tests analyzed by The Associated Press show athletes have a high chance of being exposed to viruses.
The AP on Thursday published the findings of a five-month study that looked specifically at viruses present in water being used for rowing, sailing and wind surfing, triathlon and open-water swimming. The tests concluded athletes risk exposure to viruses that could make them too ill to compete. In some tests, disease-causing viruses measured up to 1.7 million times the level of what would be considered hazardous on a Southern California beach.
Dr. Richard Budgett, the medical director for the Switzerland-based International Olympic Committee, said local organizers had followed testing procedures established by the World Health Organization that focus on testing for bacteria — but not for viruses. The IOC made no plans to push for venue changes, but said it would continue to monitor water quality tests.
“We’ve had reassurance from the World Health Organization and others that there is no significant risk of athlete health,” Budgett said.
“Clearly there are going to be some individuals who have become infected, but it’s a matter of looking at the risk realistically and realizing there are going to be a lot of competitions on these venues,” he said. “We’ve got to hold things in perspective.”