USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said the two great fears of the Rio Games are largely overblown, while reports of multiple emerging crises in Brazil have not triggered additional spending for Team USA. With reports emerging daily about new threats to security and health in the host city, Blackmun said he is bringing his family and does not see Rio as much different from the '14 Sochi or '12 London Games, when security threats garnered extensive media attention in the run-up. Rio police workers seeking better pay on Monday erected a sign at the city’s airport reading: “Welcome to Hell, police and firefighters don’t get paid, whoever comes to Rio de Janeiro will not be safe.” Rio officials have requested $2.9B in federal aid to help operate basic public services, and interim Gov. Francisco Dornelles said the Olympics could be a “big failure." Blackmun said, "Every time we travel to the Olympic Games, security is a concern, whether it’s on a small scale with respect to petty crime, or on a large scale with respect to terrorism. If you’re aware of your surroundings and you stay inside the system I don’t think there's going to be any issues whatsoever." On the threat of the Zika virus, which several of the world’s top golfers have cited as a reason to skip the Games, Blackmun said, "The science really doesn’t support the fear that’s sometimes portrayed in the media. Unless you are starting a family, it appears to be a complete non-issue, other than potentially 2-3 days of discomfort. You’re unlikely to get the virus." The USOC has not touched a $3M contingency fund its board authorized earlier this year to cover unexpected expenses related to Rio, he said. However, those surprise expenses would probably not materialize until the final weeks leading into competition. In Sochi, for instance, the USOC underestimated cargo shipment charges.
