A First Look At the Olympic Aquatics Stadium In Rio

Photo Courtesy: Matheus Paulo de Santana

Editorial Coverage Sponsored By FINIS

By Mariana de Paula, Swimming World College Intern

It is almost time!

As of today, there are only 316 days left until we kick off the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. And as the date gets closer, the athletic world can follow precisely each step of the building process. The big structures have started taking root in Rio, and the skyline changes everyday.

At the beginning of September, Matheus Paulo de Santana, the current Junior World record holder in the 100m freestyle (48.25), was able to visit the brand new aquatic arena which will play host to the next games. Through an interview to Swimming World, he shared some of his first impressions of the Olympic Aquatics Stadium.

Santana was extremely excited and honored to have the chance to take a look at the dreamy complex. With a few words, he explained specifically every part of the place.

According to him, the warm up pool is located outdoors, but its construction is still a little behind the main one in terms of structure.

The aquatic arena is the biggest one of the entire Olympic Village, with a capacity of more than 18,000 people, whereas 14,000 are spectators and the other 4,000 are a combination of athletes, media and staff. It will be completely indoors, with a few airways for ventilation. Some of the features include handicapped seats and a privileged view to the pool from every seat.

The news is that next years’ aquatic complex will be a modulated arena, according to Santana, “shaped like a Lego,” without a single welded piece. After the Olympics, the pool has another destination.

The plan is to transport the main pool soon after the games are over. The planners wish to make two swimming pools out of it, and move it to less resourceful locations in order to further swimming opportunities in those areas. Many low-income families will be benefited and given the opportunity to grow in the sport.

The Olympic Aquatics Stadium is scheduled to be ready by 2016’s first trimester.

Photo Courtesy: Matheus Santana

The outdoors warm up pool will be connected to the complex.

The multidimensional design that shows the pool planning. Photo Courtesy: Matheus Santana

Hasty progress is being made. Photo Courtesy: Matheus Santana

Privileged view from every row. Photo Courtesy: Matheus Santana

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Mr. Shaw Lin

8 years ago

Good to know how the preparations are going. I’m looking forward to see the pool when ready. Nice to see some exclusive photos of the Olympic Village!

Sophia Chiang

8 years ago

So cool! Excited to see the place when it’s all done– looks like some great racing is going to happen here!

Marie Sveingard

8 years ago

Tessa Janssen !!!!

Niles Keeran

8 years ago

Better be a FAST, deep, and well designed pool!

Darla N Bill Hall

8 years ago

Will be a wild place to be. Kevin can’t go. Bill