Because how dare athletes expect not to swim in fetid sewage?
Via The Telegraph:
The Catastrophists could have their own flag in the opening ceremony. They could march around the Olympic Stadium shouting: the end is nigh. But first they need to answer a question. Why did it require their actual presence in Rio for them to care so much about sewage, corruption and mosquito-borne viruses?
Here at South America’s first Games, we are at that familiar point in a build-up when finding fault becomes a gold medal activity. And there is much fault to be found, in matters of life and health, which needs to be reported. But some of the scrutiny of Rio’s socio-economic condition is also deeply contrived.
It suggests a level of concern that was simply not there before the rest of the world placed itself at risk of Zika, muggings and stomach upsets.
Why the sudden empathy/fear? Because Rio’s function is to give the world the Games it demands: a flawless carnival of sumptuous backdrops and infectious local enjoyment. Never mind sanitation, give us samba.