Rio Paralympics: Swimming is More of A Risk Than The Zika Virus

I have been bashing and throwing punches at Rio, but an opnion-based article is bound to throw some shade. A commentary article is an article in which an author, or writer, gives their opinion. I have been writing commentary articles lately, and found it to be fairly interesting. So, that being said, here is another one. As known, Rio hosted the 2016 summer olympics, and is now hosting the paralympics. Not the best choice. Yes, Rio De Janeiro consists of sunny, warm weather, and beautiful sights. Let’s not forget, the water in Rio is heard to be a huge health risk, and having athletes swim in it is frightening.

Going on, Swimming in that, and accidentally gulping a little? That’s a huge hazard. In an interview with the huffington post, an Australian rower, Brennan, stated “We try to avoid any hand-to-mouth contact and try to avoid getting any of the water in our mouths,”. I hope that when the triathlon contestants compete, they stay healthy, after competeing. Not only does that go for them, but for the other athletes, too. The zika virus has vaccines, while the water is filled with sewage and trash.

As stated in an article by The Atlantic, Olga Khazan, states “goal of treating 80 percent of the sewage that flows into the bay. It’s more like 65 percent, according to the most recent estimate,”. The water is already a huge health risk, and having the sewage percentage above half, is revolting. Looking at pictures of the water, and seeing the athletes eyes when they’re about to dive in, it truly is shocking. The water seems to be much more perilous than the zika virus, and to be quite honest, many people would rather be bit by a mosquito than swim/ accidentally drink the water in Rio.