Olympic champions and spectators have expressed concern over the health and safety of Aussie athletes as poor weather conditions marred the opening ceremony.
Athletes came floating down the River Seine as on-and-off showers proved not enough to dampen the enthusiasm of competitors, who held onto umbrellas and ponchos, while others opted to embrace the wet weather.
However, the dreary conditions sent fears through Aussie tennis champion Dylan Alcott, who believes athletes were at significant risk of illness due to the prolonged festivities.
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The Aussies had to wait until the end of the ceremony to grace the waters with their presence, with Team USA – led by Coco Gauff and LeBron James – next to feature before the host nation arrived.
Flagbearer Jessica Fox is scheduled to compete in the women’s kayak on Saturday – one of three events in her Olympic campaign.
“I hope she (Fox) is under a warm blanket, with a hot water bottle, defrosting,” Dylan Alcott said on Nine.
“But you could see what it meant to Eddie (Ockenden) and Jess. The front of that boat with the flag, flying in the air.
“An incredible moment for them. Had to brave some tough conditions, but definitely something they’ll never forget.”
Former Irish boxing world champion Bernard Dunne expressed similar concerns, saying many athletes in the Olympic village have questioned why others would bother attending the ceremony.
“Everyone looks like they’re having a fantastic time, but I’d say there’s some people sitting in the Olympic village looking at that and saying ‘oh why did you go?’ because they’re going to be soaked to the bone,” he said on RTE’s coverage.
“Somebody could get up in the morning with some sniffles and you don’t want any sort of sickness at this stage.
“But an opening ceremony of an Olympic Games is something special for any athlete to go to so you can’t discourage them from going. It’s their decision to go.
“They’re there since four o’clock, it’s after nine o’clock now… so they’re over five hours (on the boats) now which at this stage is a long time for any athlete that’s in full-time training.”
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Health concerns have already struck the Australian team with five water polo players testing positive for COVID-19, while two athletics competitors are in isolation.
Australian chef de mission Anna Meares declared the village environment is treating the concerns in a diligent manner.
