Guanabara Bay: A Continuing Issue for Rio; Athlete Taken To Hospital

Photo Courtesy: Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez

Five days after a Rio 2016 test sailing competition began in Guanabara Bay Wonwoo Cho, a South Korean windsurfer, took ill complaining of headaches, dehydration, vomiting, and dizziness causing fears to deepen regarding pollution in the water according to Inside the Games. Cho returned to competition the next day, and is said to be one of a few sailors who have contracted illnesses since the start of competition.

A claim from Danny Ok, Cho’s coach, that the water is what caused his [Cho’s] illness has been responded to by Rio 2016 who insist “there was no direct evidence to suggest the illness was caused by contact with the water.”

The statement also added that “from a field of 326 athletes and 68 technical officials on the water, the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) medical team has received only two medical cases over the first five days of competition.”

Despite this low number of illnesses many coaches are warning their athletes of the dangers of the water. Agustin Bellocchio, sailing coach for Mexico, told several sailors competing in the event to “shut their mouths” while they were on the water so that they could avoid further contamination.

Reports on the water state that it is littered with debris, including animal carcasses, floating garbage, and raw sewage.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has expressed concern over the “serious challenge” cleaning up the bay is.

Originally, Rio authorities had vowed that 80 percent of the waste would be removed but this has recently been admitted to be a bigger feat than they once thought. Calls to switch the venue for open water events have been expressed.

Swimming World has been following the issue since June of 2014, long before the issue hit mainstream audience. Previous reports from Swimming World include:

Rio 2016 Olympic Games Water Pollution at Dangerous Levels, Now on Greenpeace’s Radar

Rio’s Uncertain Olympic Waters are Cause for Concern

Super Bacteria Found in Rio Olympic Waters

Pollution Still Present in Rio 2016 Olympic Venues

Pollution Concerns Increase As Massive Fish Die-Off Now At Rio Olympic Sailing Site

Bombshell Associated Press Report: Olympic Teams to Swim, Boat in Rio’s Feces

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Scott Shimomura

8 years ago

This is a complete and utter fail…

Greg Meehan

8 years ago

I think the Open Water Swimming events will need to be moved. So far, the IOC is acting like there is no problem.