The Rio authorities have attributed algae infestation as the reason for the colour change.A second pool turned green on Wednesday at the Rio Olympics 2016. At the outdoor aquatic centre, the pool used for water polo changed colours, within a day of its adjacent pool. The Rio authorities have attributed algae infestation as the reason for the colour change. Though chemical tests have been done and the pool was termed as safe by the authorities, some of the Australian athletes have complained about stinging and teary eyes after their match against Japan.
Mario Andrada, Communication director for the Rio 2016 organising committee said that a sudden change in the alkalinity of the water can be blamed for the sudden change. Andrada hopes that the water colour will turn back to blue again. He reassured that there was no risk to any athletes. Meanwhile, Fédération Internationale de natation (FINA) has put the blame on the poor organisation by Rio officials. Rio has been in the news for all the wrong reasons at the Olympics. The Rio authorities have also been criticised earlier due to their poor management. Complaints had been coming in from all quarters, as players were not assigned rooms. Indian Hockey team had registered a complaint on the lack of availability of basic facilities.
After the news broke out #poolgate trended on Twitter as people went on the social networking site to express their views on the matter. while some openly criticised the management, some saw the lighter side of the incident.
Morning #Rio2016 #Poolgate pic.twitter.com/FpStKfnqSw
— Shooting People (@ShootingPeople) August 10, 2016
I’m pretty sure #PhelpsFace and #poolgate are related..
…the plot thickens
— Petri van Zyl (@Petrivz) August 9, 2016
@jeff_coote1 reckon Nemo shoved a stone in the filter mate? #poolgate
— GripNorgate (@gripnorgate) August 9, 2016
@martynziegler it has to be algae and if they don’t know cause it won’t get any better. Only greener #PoolGate#Rio2016
— Alison (@loftylion9) August 9, 2016
It remains to be seen whether the pool turns back to its original colour anytime soon. while the officials have been investigating the issue and the pool was found to be safe, complaints from athletes do not help their cause.