“Following my statements about the upcoming Games in Rio, I want to underline that I still believe that the Rio Organising Committee can indeed deliver an excellent Games in 2016,” said Coates in a statement. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice president John Coates backtracked on his scathing criticism of Rio de Janeiro’s Olympic preparations, insisting the city could deliver an ‘excellent’ Games as he moved to defuse tensions.
“Following my statements about the upcoming Games in Rio, I want to underline that I still believe that the Rio Organising Committee can indeed deliver an excellent Games in 2016,” said Coates in a statement.
His toned-down comments came two days after he criticised the preparations as “the worst that I’ve experienced” in 40 years of being involved with the Olympics, remarks that sparked a swift rebuttal from Rio.
Coates said that since his initial criticism, he had been in contact with IOC executive director Gilbert Felli, a senior troubleshooter sent to the host city last week to help tackle the construction delays and soaring costs that have caused concern.
“He has provided me with a positive update of progress and the support and positive response he is receiving from the organising committee. Time is of the essence, but things are moving in the right direction.
“Rio 2016 is addressing the specific concerns of the 17 international federations that were raised with the organisers at a meeting in Turkey in April regarding their venues and the progress overall.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 2nd, 2014.
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