The Olympic Park Aquatic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will open on July 25th, following its final FINA inspection.
After hosting the Maria Lenk Trophy in April, which served as Brazil’s second Olympic qualifying meet, the Aquatic Stadium was closed for renovations that were found necessary during the competition. Maria Lenk, which served as a test event for the facility, was closed to the public, allowing only athletes, coaches, officials, and athletes’ families to attend.
Air quality and the lack of a forced-air ventilation system was the most common complaint during the competition. The Aquatics Stadium was built with no air conditioning system, relying instead on “natural ventilation” to circulate fresh air throughout the pool and stands. Rodrigo Garcia, Rio 2016 sports director, told Globosport that a forced air ventilation system would not be necessary as temperatures outside will be much different in August than they were in April, but both FINA and the Brazilian Swimming Federation have requested that fans be installed inside the natatorium.
Inside of Olympic Aquatics Stadium Courtesy of Rio 2016
Ricardo Prado, general supervisor of all water sports during the Games, was present during the FINA inspection, though neither party has commented yet whether the requested ventilation updates were made. The Olympic Games will be the first event hosted at the Olympic Park Aquatic Stadium that is open to the public.
In addition to the renovations in the natatorium, the outdoor warm-up pool has been covered by a tent to keep out mosquitos, which were cited as a problem during the Maria Lenk Trophy. Before the Games begin in August the warm-up pool will also feature an air conditioning system.
AVERAGE Temperatures FOR RIO DE JANEIRO IN AUGUST
Temperature
22°C 71°F
Low Temperature
19°C 66°F
High Temperature
26°C 78°F
It’s winter in South America.
I’m sure the facility is awesome. Do you really think a tent will keep the mosquitoes away from the warm down outdoor pool? I am just concerned for the health of the athletes.
Still, it’s a damn gorgeous pool.
This pool looks really small and narrow…….and the stands look tiny
Since it is winter in the southern hemisphere, there has been a suggestion that Zika-carrying mosquitoes will not be as active as in the summer months. I’ve heard it said that August in Rio is probably similar to Jacksonville, FL, in February.
As for the competition pool: it is a temporary Myrtha Pool. The seating bowl around it has 11k+ seats. A roof is supported overhead, so that there will be no sun on the pool or spectators. The roof is supported by four giant columns (that block some sightlines). It looks like the gap between the top seats and the roof is 10-15 feet. I think the assumption is that the weather is pretty good at that time of… Read more »
Check how close the equator is to Rio. It is not winter. The Zika is there 24 hrs a day in less they are wearing Hazmad suits.
It is winter and the average temperatures at that time of the year in Rio are 66 F for the low and 78 F for the high (in the late afternoon). I think it will be fine.
It’s Winter!
And the weather is not warm.Some days we have 10C(50F) of minimum down here.The mosquitoes reproduction are severely affected by that.At night(the hour of finals) is very cold…
I don’t understand why mosquitos are/were a concern at the warmup pool, and not at the open air competition pool???
London and Beijing spoiled us with their beautiful state of the art swim facilities. I look at the Rio pool and think not much.
Don’t forget Sydney.
Yes, absolutely.
Air conditioning and ventilation isnt exactly state of the art …
I can’t believe they are having open air with the veka going on