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Main Ramp At Rio 2016 Sailing Venue Collapses Along With Faith In Games' Success

Main Ramp At Rio 2016 Sailing Venue Collapses Along With Faith In Games' Success

What next?

Hamish Kilburn

Hamish Kilburn

Feature image credit: Getty

The saying 'fail to prepare and prepare to fail' has never been so appropriate as right now, with questions continuing to be raised on the safety of the construction at this year's Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The latest news ahead of Friday's opening to the Games is that the main ramp at the sailing venue, Marina da Gloria, collapsed on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred amid fears that have been raised since April surrounding the safety of Rio's temporary construction for the event.

High seas and stormy skies were apparently to blame for the damage of the ramp, which is the main access for sailors getting in and out of the water.

There were no casualties from the incident but it doesn't bode well just one week before the sailing competition begins on 8th August.

The vast amount of shit seems to be flying - as well as floating - in the direction towards the outdoor water sporting events. Not only will the athletes be racing in their own - and much of Rio's waste - throughout the Games, now their safety on dry land isn't even guaranteed.


Image credit: Press Association Images

It seems to be one thing after another in Rio, and sailing has never seen so much coverage before a major international regatta - which I guess you could consider a silver lining.

Not only has the local government been accused of kidnap, the Olympic village has also been called out to be 'unlivable' a month before competition commenced.

Competitors in water events have also been asked to compete with their months shut by health advisers because of the heavily polluted waters. What more could possibly go wrong? Not that we want to jinx anything.

Words: Hamish Kilburn

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Games, rio 2016