A little more than three months ahead of the Rio Olympics, FINA President Julio Maglione "harshly criticized the conditions for the swimmers." He said that swimmers will face several problems, "including lower-capacity venues during the Games and a lack of retractable roofs or air conditioning." Since the 2000 Sydney Games, swimming events have attracted an average of 18,000 fans, but the stadium in Rio only has a capacity of 15,000 (MUNDO DEPORTIVO, 4/20).
One of the leading candidates for next month's mayoral election "has come out against Rome's bid for the 2024 Olympics."
Virginia Raggi of the opposition 5-Star Movement said that Rome is "completely at its knees" because of severe debts and transport woes and the time to bid for the Games is "far off."
Raggi said, "Maybe it would be better to focus on ordinary stuff and then when the city is ready, the Olympics" (AP, 4/20).
Former Masters champion Adam Scott "ruled himself out of this summer's Olympics in Rio, when golf returns to the Games for the first time since 1904."
Scott previously said winning an Olympic medal was "nothing I've ever aspired to do." Scott: "My decision has been taken as a result of an extremely busy playing schedule around the time of the Olympics and other commitments, both personal and professional" (London TELEGRAPH, 4/20).
