Green, not gold, was the color of the day at the Olympic diving venue on Tuesday.
Sure, China won its third consecutive gold medal on Tuesday, but the buzz was about something else.
Under mysterious circumstances, the diving pool at the Maria Lenk Aquatic Center turned a murky green overnight and the officials had no explanation for it. This was in stark contrast to the pool’s light blue color the previous day and also that of the clear water in the second pool in the same venue, used for the water polo competition.
British diver Tom Daley, who earned bronze in the men’s synchronised 10-metre on Monday, tweeted a photo of the two pools next to each other
Pool Representing Rio’s National Colours?
A statement from Olympic organisers said water tests were conducted and there was no risk to athletes. They couldn’t explain the colour change, but said it was being investigated.
Rio spokesman Mario Andrada said the green was caused “by a proliferation of algae.”
This was because of heat and a lack of wind. We did all the chemical tests. The pool will be blue tomorrow (Wednesday).
Referring to Brazil’s national colours, Andrada said:
If it were green and yellow, we would know it was a patriotic thing.
Diver Paola Espinosa of Mexico said the water didn’t smell or affect her skin while American Jessica Parratto, who wears contacts, said the water didn’t burn her eyes.
The kale-colored water wasn’t just a cosmetic nuisance; it was so dark that divers couldn’t even see the bottom of the pool.
Did Shrek Pay a Visit?
Twitterati had their own share of fun with the situation that has just added to the list of numerous other blunders made by the organisers – like the wrong Chinese flag being hoisted and security breach issues.
Canada team leader Mitch Geller said a Canadian pool expert was coming in Wednesday and he would offer to help Rio organisers chemically treat the water if there’s a problem with the filter.
(With AP inputs)
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