The Olympic practice pool has turned a nasty orange color in the months of neglect since the games last year. In the background, the mosaic exterior of the Aquatic Stadium hangs in tatters.
To purveyors of the joys of swimming, these famous Rio Olympic pools are a melancholy sight.
Less than a year ago they were the focus of the entire world, as nearly 200 million people tuned in for thrilling races across the Aquatics Stadium. And with a price tag of $38 million, the Stadium was touted as a truly innovative venue for aquatics. It was constructed using "nomadic" architecture, and after the games were completed, it was to be taken down and rebuilt as two smaller venues.
We're still waiting for that.
Instead of being reused as intended or becoming a home to local aquatic events, these fabulous facilities were quickly abandoned and have begun to fall apart.
Much was made of the Stadium's outer walls, which were decorated with mosaic art by Brazilian artist Adrianna Varejao. As is obvious from these pictures, that work now hangs in ruins and rags.
The notorious green Stadium pool has since drained away to leave a bare floor and whatever the scavengers have left, and the practice pool looks like a large pan of orange Gatorade.
Event organizers promised the games would benefit Rio and its residents for decades to come. And given the popularity of other post-Olympic venues, it's difficult to understand the decision to let the Olympic grounds go to waste; the pool where Michael Phelps won his 23rd Olympic gold medal (28th overall) would seem to be a draw.
Renovation or the planned reclamation remains possible, but with each passing month the chances become more remote.
