Britain’s Olympic team leaders "retained the services of a plumber in Rio de Janeiro to step in at short notice if further problems develop with their accommodation in the athletes’ village." Issues with blocked toilets and leaking pipes "have been resolved in the Team GB block, although the Australians have refused to move into their rooms, while Argentina’s team leader said the work in their quarters was so shoddy that he even suspected it might have been sabotaged." Team GB employed local workmen to help to complete its block because of unfinished work with the plumbing and electrics, but the athletes staying there "have made no complaints" (LONDON TIMES, 7/27).
LUCKY ESCAPE: A Channel Nine crew "had a lucky escape after almost being robbed of their camera gear by a group of transvestites along Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach." Reporter Christine Ahern "revealed how she and her cameraman were approached by would-be thieves just an hour after arriving at the Olympic city." Ahern and her cameraman "were on Copacabana beach when they were approached by the group." The reporter said that security nearby "acted quickly" (NEWS.com, 7/27).
