25 July,2016 07:55 AM IST | | AFP
The Olympic Village in Rio opened its doors to the world’s athletes yesterday, less than two weeks before the Games begin — but Australia immediately boycotted the facility, calling it “simply not safe or ready
Australian team head Kitty Chiller
Rio de Janeiro: The Olympic Village in Rio opened its doors to the world's athletes yesterday, less than two weeks before the Games begin - but Australia immediately boycotted the facility, calling it "simply not safe or ready."
Australian team head Kitty Chiller
The criticism was another embarrassing blow for host Brazil, which is struggling to show all will be well before August 5, despite low ticket sales and public apathy amid a deep recession.
The Olympic Village, a 31-building complex in the Barra da Tijuca district, will house over 18,000 athletes and coaching staff.
However, Australia's delegation spurned the Village as being riddled with problems, especially with wiring and plumbing and said its athletes will continue to stay in hotels.
"Problems include blocked toilets, leaking pipes, exposed wiring, darkened stairwells and dirty floors in need of a massive cleaning," head of the Australian team, Kitty Chiller, said in a statement.
