At the time of writing, the 31st Olympiad is quickly descending to a close. As the games crescendo to the closing ceremony, the world can begin to assess the impact of the Rio Games, both athletically and politically. Seven years ago, when Rio de Janeiro was chosen as the host for the 2016 Games, this Olympics was supposed to be a symbol of pride for Brazil and a statement to the world of how far South America has come in the past 20 years. But now at the end of cycle, did those goals come to fruition?
Athletically Brazil has done well at their home Olympics. At the time of writing, Brazil has won three gold medals and 11 medals over all. More importantly to Brazilians, their country has done well in their favorite sports; Brazil’s men’s soccer, volleyball and beach volleyball teams, as well their women’s beach volleyball team, are still alive to win home gold. But beyond athletics, how has Rio fared politically?
Rio has had its downfalls. In the run-up to the Olympics, daily news reports lamented poor working conditions, inadequate progress on facilities and toxic Guanabara Bay. But in the run-up to London the press bemoaned the rain; in the run-up to Beijing the press criticized the air. The press always creates a tragedy, so how did Rio actually perform?
Rio still had its downfalls. Before the games even started, Team Australia was evacuated from their quarters due to a fire. During the fire, thieves swiped Australian gear. High-profile athletes were robbed; the diving, water polo and synchronized swimming pools turned green due to “organic material.” Guanabara Bay did claim victims, triggering sickness and rendering athletes “medal-less".
Rio is a far cry from the smoothest Olympics in recent memory, but the 31st Olympiad is not a humiliating disaster. The jury is still out — the closing ceremonies are yet to be commenced, and the toxic water may still yet claim victims after the games are finished — but blistering catastrophe has not struck the Olympics. And considering the shape Brazil and Rio are in, that can be considered a success.
This Olympics was South America’s opportunity to demonstrate to the world how far it has come. Seven years ago, Brazil was an excellent choice to spearhead Latin America’s opportunity, though since then the country has done little but decline.
Despite the struggles, the Rio Games are a massive step forward for Latin America. A South American country hosted an event with 42 different sports and more than 11,000 athletes. The world descended on Rio, and Rio did not descend into chaos; in fact, in many ways it rose to the occasion. It wasn’t perfect, and it wasn’t always pretty, but all the medals and medalists are accounted for and celebrated in good Samba fashion.
The Rio de Janeiro Games proved that Latin America is not on par with the well-oiled West. But the Rio Games also proved that Latin America can rise when called upon and face the world with courage and celebration.
