The Olympics Are Near

   And Brazil is the host country for the games in August, which might not turn out so well for them, although I hope it does.
   There have been problems almost from the get-go. Not the least of which is the lagoon for the rowing and paddling events. Some have said it's little more than an open sewer, and there have been concerns about athletes health.
   Then, there's the cost. Almost 40 billion Reals (roughly $11 billion U.S) has been spent so far in a country who's economy is struggling. There's political turmoil, with President Dilma Rousseff facing an impeachment trial. There's controversy over the IOC banning several Russian athletes for doping. There are security worries, especially after an attack on a hospital by 20 armed men who tried to free a drug baron. One person was killed, and 2 injured.
   But far and away, the biggest concern is the Zika virus, linked to birth defects. Brazil is "ground zero", and has lead to several athletes saying they will not attend over concerns about it. The latest is golfer Rory McIlroy. Fears about the mosquito-borne virus also prompted the U.S Olympic committee to say athletes should consider giving these games a "miss". Worries about zika could also keep spectators away.
   Can all these be overcome? Probably not. Will they have an impact on the games? Without doubt. With participants not going for various reasons, the "drawing power" might not be there, which will impact the bottom line.
   I have nothing against the Olympics at all. In fact, I wish attending athletes all the best as they do their best. But with things like continuing cost over-runs plaguing different host cities, it might be time for organizers to look at permanent venues. One for the summer games, one for the winter. I've suggested in the past that this would make sense, since countries wanting to participate would be required to pay a yearly fee for maintenance and upgrades of the facilities.
   Is that likely to happen? No. But when you had several cities opting out of hosting upcoming winter games, the idea makes some sense.
   The question would be who would become the permanent hosts? And who would step up to the plate to let their country do so?
   This turned into a rant. Sorry.

TTFN