Russia Exits The Rio Test Event

Rio Venues
Source: dezeen

Melnikova, Kapitonova, and Nagorny were the representatives set for April, but Russia has officially removed its delegation from the Test Event registration and told the FIG it is backing out. Already, rumors are flying that the explosion of the Zika virus in Brazil is the reason for Russia's departure from the Games. Another rumor - more of an opinion really- is that Russia is chickening out of competing against the Americans. A third rumor raises the possibility that the new seniors aren't prepared to show quality routines in a month's time. We can't be sure of any of these, but as silly as the Zika rumor might sound, recall that Alexander Alexandrov's interview to RRG in 2013 did expose Russia's plan to not attend the 2011 World Championships because of the Fukushima disaster. It was Alexandrov who had to persuade the Rodionenko's of how foolish they were being... so we might be dealing with the same paranoia again. Oh, and Nabieva has already taken to social media to denounce the decision; she thinks the Zika virus is just a lousy excuse. 

I wonder if it will look anything like this.
I love the Beijing-inspired color theme.
Source: dezeen

Well, let's try to not to be too predisposed in our opinions before more information comes to light. There are real and present dangers in Brazil (I mean, let's not pretend something horrible isn't affecting hundreds of thousands of people); the dengue fever is even more worrisome than the more talked about Zika virus, with twice as many Brazilians having contracted the fever so far this year than all of last year's victims. It is probable that neither condition will disappear by the Olympics but I'm sure Brazil is working with the IOC and WHO to address additional safety measures (like nets in bedrooms, killing mosquitos etc.). I think a vote of confidence is what Brazil needs right now and between USOC allowing athletes to decline attending the Games and this latest stint by Russia, it's a pessimistic look overall. I don't really have strong feelings about Russia's non-participation but I can imagine how Brazil's NOC must be feeling when too many countries are spreading panic, instead of helpful information. 

The Park

As for Russia, I think they decided to skip the Test Event maybe because it's right after Nationals? I mean, they could have figured out months ago that the scheduling wouldn't work, sure, but then that would require research and organization lol. It is a bummer not to see how their scores would hold up with an Olympic panel, and that is my one major regret. Plus, there's never enough international experience for new seniors. I know that things didn't go well for Grishina in 2012 but gymnasts with different mental states, personalities, and competitiveness shouldn't be boxed together just because expectations went sour over Grishy. You can only give them the opportunity- what an individual makes of it and learns from it is his/her choice. So, yes, I think this would've been wonderful for Melka, Kapi, and Nagorny.

Below is a video from last year detailing the progress made on the venues and park spaces. Unfortunately, not everything will be complete by the Test Event (recreational areas, media zones, some housing), making Brazil the worst prepared Olympic host ever. Methinks the Olympics is too much to take on after hosting a FIFA World Cup.