Rio Olympics: Keeping Our Athletes Safe
With the 2016 summer Olympic Games zooming in quickly athletes are taking caution of the health risks that are becoming prevalent. Several athletes have even withdrawn their spots on their Olympic teams to avoid the Zika virus and contaminated waters. Countries around the world are taking precautions to these ailments. To name a few here are a list of countries and how they are planning to prevent their athletes from becoming ill.
The United States rowing team manufactured special uniforms developed by Boathouse Sports to act as a second skin. The suits are anti-microbial which will prevent diseases brought up by contaminated waters. According to the Associated Press the entire team has agreed to these new suits.
South Korea will be arriving in Rio wearing long pants and sleeve. They are attempting to cover up as much skin as possible. Their clothing has also been laced with repellent to shew off any lingering mosquitoes that may be carrying the Zika virus.
Irish athletes have been ordered to return home immediately after they have completed their sporting events in order to mitigate potential Zika risk. Ireland’s chief medical officer, Sean Gaine, told the Sunday Times, “Athletes are more likely to let their guard down and not take proper precautions after their event is through.”
Spain is repelling any Zika carrying mosquitoes with the strongest bug repellent provided by Omega Pharma. 3,000 bottles have already been set aside for athletes to carry with them throughout Rio. Great Britain is taking a different approach. The Mirror reported that mosquitoes primarily bite less than 25 feet.
Great Britain athletes reserved the top three highest levels in the Olympic Village for their athletes to stay in during the games to reduce the risk of the Zika virus.
Brazil has however announced that athletes and spectators have little to fear and that the Zika virus is an unlikely threat.
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