The USOC "quietly brought in its own 'fix it' crew to take care of various problems in its building" in the Olympic Village prior to Team USA moving in over the past week, according to Christine Brennan of USA TODAY. The issues "ranged from plumbing work involving toilets and sinks to cleaning the apartments to drywall reconstruction." USOC Chief External Affairs Officer Patrick Sandusky said that the organization "transported several of its 'facilities people' to Rio from its Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., to do the work." Sandusky added that this is "standard operating procedure for every Olympic Games." Brennan notes it is "no surprise that American Olympic officials kept their concerns quiet." The USOC "has a very strong candidate city" in L.A. bidding for the '24 Games, and the "last thing the USOC wants to do is create any negative headlines a few days before the start of an Olympics." Brennan: "No matter how real the issues are, American concerns might be viewed unfavorably by fussy (IOC) members who will pick the 2024 host city next year" (USA TODAY, 8/3).
L.A. STORY: In L.A., David Wharton notes leaders of the LA 2024 bid committee are in Rio for more than two weeks of "watching and listening, glad-handing and chatting -- the delicate business of trying to win an Olympic Games for their city." Rio represents a "can't-miss opportunity" for the L.A. group, as the IOC "greatly restricted contact with bid cities" following the Salt Lake City bribery scandal. The Olympics "bring everyone together for an extended period, with lots of chances to mingle." LA 2024 has "transplanted its entire staff of 25 to Brazil, operating from a rented conference room in the hotel across the street from the IOC meetings." Much of the focus this week is on the IOC's three-day session, "where the business of the Games is being conducted." LA 2024 has "tried to arrange private meetings and dinners for every day." The schedule will "remain busy" after Friday's Opening Ceremony with the IOC "inviting bidders to participate in an 'observer program' that takes them into backstage areas for a closer look at running an Olympics." The other cities bidding for the '24 Games -- Paris, Rome and Budapest -- "have also sent contingents" to Rio. Meanwhile, there will be an "elaborate LA 2024 display" at the Team USA House (L.A. TIMES, 8/3).
