Assisted death bill receives royal assent, officially law

Local athletes say they’re not phased by all these recent news stories of zika, gang violence and political upheaval in Brazil.

With seven weeks and counting until the start of Rio 660’s Ian Campbell caught up with some local athletes last month to find out what’s going through their minds ahead of the competition.

Standing in the gym where they train in west Calgary, wrestler Erica Wiebe would be lying if she said it didn’t go through her head.

Anywhere they travel – Wiebe says there are issues with health.

“There’s things you need to keep in mind as a traveller, and we are already dealing with a lot of those things, so in terms of zika, I mean we will be competing in Brazil’s winter.”

Wiebe adds that she encountered similar fears before heading to Sochi two years ago to volunteer in the Winter Olympics.

“But when I landed in Sochi, it was this really protective bubble, this exciting energy. The Olympic games really transforms the city the Olympics are in, and I have no worries that Rio will be the same.”

She believes it won’t be much of a factor, as the COC has prepared them well, sentiments echoed by paralympian swimmer Morgan Bird.

“I do recognize that it is a concern, but my main focus will be my competition. We have support systems put in place.”

Bird adds she’s confident organizers have taken every necessary precaution needed to protect their safety.

“I know there are statements that have said Rio will be safe and that venues will be inspected daily to minimize the impact.”

However, problems continue in the South American nation, earlier Friday, Rio declared a state of financial emergency asking for more funds to complete its Olympic obligations.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today