Olympics: US praise for Rio preparations

United States Olympic Committee  managing director Leslie Gamez said on Wednesday Rio had made "stunning progress" in preparations for the 2016 Olympics. The construction site of the Rio 2016 Olympic Park as seen from above on Nov 11, 2014. -- P
United States Olympic Committee  managing director Leslie Gamez said on Wednesday Rio had made "stunning progress" in preparations for the 2016 Olympics. The construction site of the Rio 2016 Olympic Park as seen from above on Nov 11, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) - United States Olympic Committee (USOC) managing director Leslie Gamez said on Wednesday Rio had made "stunning progress" in preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games following a three-day visit.

More than 60 USOC delegates met organising committee staff and visited facilities as they focused on planning logistics and Ms Gamez said they were impressed.

"It's been super-great, we've seen some stunning progress," she said in comments reported in an organisers' statement.

"In terms of the infrastructure, hotels are being built, the progress at the Olympic Park is amazing, the Olympic Village continues to be impressive - it looks really wonderful, it's a great location and I think our teams are going to be really comfortable there.

"This is the perfect place to host the Games - you feel the enthusiasm and passion for sports in everyone you meet, from hotel owners to taxi drivers."

Rio, which has had to fend off myriad accusations of preparations struggling to keep up to schedule, will host the Games on Aug 5-21, 2016.

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