Headed to Rio – The top stories before the Games
August 5, 2016
The Road to Rio has had a few bumps along the way but there have been a few stories of note, with EXCLUSIVE content and member comment, here are the Top 5 you may have missed.
IOC Member Richard Peterkin: Rio Games met by “perfect storm” of bad news
The build-up to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games has been far from ideal with worries about the Zika virus, financial issues for the Brazilian capital, and the doping scandal which has dominated headlines heading into the latest showpiece event.
While all Games seem to have slight issues in the build-up, which often end up fading away, the 2016 Games seem to be encountering more issues with every passing week.
IOC member Richard Peterkin explains how the Games have been faced with more external issues than he has ever seen before
Read his thoughts HERE.
Final Russian Olympic delegation 271 out of original 387
Russia’s final Olympic delegation will be 271 out of their original 387 athletes – after the final Court of Arbitration for Sport decisions were taken in Rio. Five athletes are still waiting to hear their fate.
It means only 50 athletes outside of the IAAF’s ban have been prevented from taking part. The IAAF’s blanket ban on Russian athletes excluded 67.
Find out more HERE.
YouTube agree Rio highlights deals
YouTube have agreed deals with 60 countries to show Olympic highlights from the Rio Games as well as providing updates from 15 different content creators.
The list of broadcasters who have partnered with YouTube for the video site’s Olympics coverage include the UK’s BBC, Latin America’s America Movil, and Japan’s NHK. Viewers will be able to access local highlights through Google search.
Read all about it HERE
IOC Member Hayley Wickenheiser: “Russia ban protects the integrity of the Games”
IOC Member Hayley Wickenheiser has praised the International Association of Athletics Federation’s decision to uphold the ban on Russian track and field athletes at Rio 2016.
The council made the ‘unanimous’ decision after a damning report by the World Anti-Doping Agency which accused Russian officials of preventing drugs testers from doing their jobs.
They came to the decision that the Russian Athletics Federation had failed to meet the reinstatement conditions.
Read Wickenheiser’s thoughts HERE.
COMMUNITY SPECIAL: iSportconnect members reflect on London 2012
Exactly four years on from the opening ceremony of London 2012, the iSportconnect membership have been reflecting on the success and learning points taken away from the Games, with Rio just around the corner.
The fantastic turnout for the iSportconnect Directors’ Club – Olympic Special emphasised the nostalgia for the 2012 Games and the excitement as we head towards Rio.
Read the comments and join the conversation HERE.
