MOSCOW (AP) Swimming's world governing body FINA has strongly criticized the organizers of next year's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro over what it says are substandard facilities and ''disrespect'' for aquatic events.
FINA, which oversees some of the Olympics' most-watched events, attacks the organizers and Rio mayor Eduardo Paes for slashing the seating capacity at the main pool, which FINA claims will leave swimming's main venue ''diminished in terms of importance and value,'' according to a FINA letter obtained by The Associated Press.
Athletes' health and safety could be at risk over viruses in the area of sea used for open water swimming events and organizers' decision to use an open-air venue for diving, water polo and synchronized swimming, FINA warns.
