Pan American Games’ Newest Sport: Finding Spot to House Athletes

With just two days left before the opening of the Pan American Games, officials were searching for an extra 500 beds Thursday after being hit with a housing shortage even before all of the athletes had arrived in Indianapolis.

Organizers originally estimated 4,500 people would have to be housed. They planned for a maximum of 5,100, but new estimates predict as many as 5,900 participants will be in Indianapolis for the Games, which begin with the opening ceremony Saturday night.

But housing isn’t the only problem.

An unknown number of security volunteers walked off the job at the athletes’ village early Thursday morning to protest transportation snafus and a cutback in meals. However, officials said the security of the village wasn’t compromised because state police are in charge.

Meanwhile, the U.S. track team made several switches..

Raymond Pierre of Baylor will replace Butch Reynolds in the 400 meters. Pierre will compete in the 400 meters and the 1,600-meter relay. Also added to the relay team were Mark Rowe and Kevin Robinzine, replacing Antonio McKay and Danny Everett. Mike Gonzalez will replace Jim Connolly in the decathlon, and Jeff Braun will replace Garry Frank in the shotput.

Late additions to the women’s team were sprinters Gail Devers and Jackie Washington, replacing Jeanette Bolden and Florence Griffith, and Leslie Seymour, replacing Cindy Bremser in the 3,000 meters.