#Rio2016 - Rio has made "great progress" in preparing for next summer's Olympic Games but "challenges" remain, not least of which is Guanabara Bay's significant pollution problem, according to the head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
As the Guardian reports, IOC president Thomas Bach singled out the controversial location for Rio 2016's sailing events, saying "on the one hand we see great progress [but] on the other there is no time to lose.
"But given the fact that the organising committee has acknowledged its challenges we are very confident we will have a great Games in one year because acknowledging challenges is the first and most important step to overcoming them.”
Bach's comments following the IOC's latest board meeting in Kuala Lumpur come more than six weeks after the committee repeated long-time concerns over the readiness of Rio's sailing waters – and the safety of sailors competing next summer and training in Guanabara Bay ahead of the games.
Animal carcasses and dumped furniture are among the detritus witnessed by sailors floating in the bay, which city officials previously conceded will not see pollution reduced by 80 per cent in time for the start of Rio 2016.
The Guardian has more on the story HERE.
