Rowers from New Zealan (back) and Australia train.
The biggest problem some Australian rowers are having to adjust to in Rio de Janeiro is minding their strokes in the face of the majestic views on the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon course.
"The only problem I've had so far is focusing on rowing in the face of all this awesome scenery," said Karsten Fosterling, a member of the country's quadruple sculls entry, one of Australia's two main hopes for gold. As with other watersports venues at Rio 2016, the Lagoon, a dark-blue, brackish tidal lake that sits between the outstretched right arm of the Christ the Redeemer statue atop a line of jungle-covered granite mountains and the beach front neighborhood of Ipanema, has faced harsh criticism. Studies found high levels of bacteria and other pathogens in the water despite promises to clean up the Lagoon. During test events, some athletes blamed the venue for making them sick.
Part of the Australian team, but not the rowers, were critical of unfinished or damaged rooms at the Olympic Village and alleged that computers were stolen after a small fire broke out there last week.
Published: Wed 3 Aug 2016, 4:43 PM
Updated: Thu 4 Aug 2016, 12:32 AM
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