Aerial view of Fort Copacabana, venue for the marathon swimming events
RIO DE JANEIRO: Organisers at the Rio Olympics suffered another headache Saturday when the starting platform for the marathon swimming was washed away just 48 hours before the competition starts by strong currents off Copacabana beach, postponing training sessions.
“Security measures have been adopted and there are no risks for the swimmers,” a Rio 2016 spokesperson told AFP.
Some of the structure was washed up on the beach and the rest will be collected by the installation team.
“So that these measures can be carried out, the training scheduled for today (Saturday) has been cancelled,” added the spokesperson.
The women’s 10k race is still scheduled for Monday with the start performed on a reserve starting platform, the organising committee confirmed.
The men’s 10k is due to take place on Tuesday.
During the construction of the Olympic beach volleyball stadium at Copacabana in June and July the structure was also damaged by strong waves.
Blustery conditions have been a persistent problem for the Games with two days of the rowing regatta cancelled due to heavy winds. -AFP