Swimming officials change stance on water quality in Rio for 2016 Summer Olympics
Triathletes enter the water at the start of the men’s triathlon ITU World Olympic Qualification Event at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 2.
In an apparent about-face, the international swimming federation now suggests the ocean waters around Rio de Janeiro could be safe for athletes competing in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
FINA’s sports medicine committee announced Friday that it had cooperated in a study of 50 swimmers who raced in a marathon event off Copacabana beach last month. None has reported significant health issues, officials said.
“Consequently, the waters of the Copacabana beach were safe,” FINA said.
Pollution has been of tremendous concern in the lead-up to next summer’s Games. Earlier this week, FINA’s president reportedly sent a letter to Brazilian officials criticizing the water quality at competition venues.
FINA officials said Friday they will “continue conducting tests and monitoring the quality of the waters in Copacabana beach, in accordance with international standards.”
Follow David Wharton on Twitter @LATimesWharton
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