(ATR) One of the harshest critics of the 2016 Olympics now says things are going "much, much better" in Rio de Janeiro.
IOC vice president John Coates said in April that preparations for the upcoming Olympics were "the worst" he had ever seen.
On Tuesday, at a press conference in Australia marking two years until the Games, Coates said the World Cup assuaged many fears about Brazil’s capacity to host the Games.
"I wasn't there, but all of the reports to the IOC were good," Coates said.
"We had concerns about the airport and getting around, but that all worked. The transport worked.
"It's a different event," he added "but over the last two months, they've really put their foot to the pedal. We're back there officially at the end of September for another report, but the prognosis is much, much better."
Concerns have been raised about the slow pace of construction. Reports in Brazilian media say nearly 75 percent of the construction work for 2016 venues remains.
Much closer at hand, the first test event for the Olympics is underway in Rio. Sailors have said pollution in the water has made it difficult to sail. Some of the debris has reportedly included a dead dog and refuse. USA Sailing said it is conducting medical tests of the water quality.
Written by Ed Hula III
Homepage photo: Getty Images
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