Rio Olympics helped by World Cup success

Brazil's success hosting the World Cup has increased the IOC's confidence in the country's abilities to host the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, IOC executive director Gilbert Felli told the AP.

Brazil's success hosting the World Cup has increased the IOC's confidence in the country's abilities to host the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, IOC executive director Gilbert Felli told the Associated Press.

Felli was sent to Brazil two months ago to lead the final preparations and voiced optimism about the country's progress, but also said they must be diligent about maintaining a strict production schedule. There have been concerns about the construction of stadiums and venues, specifically the sailing event which has been compared to a latrine.

Felli alleviated some of those concerns on Tuesday during his interview with the AP:

My view is we will make it and the Brazilians will deliver excellent games. But we have to work every day for it. Nothing is a done deal."

On Wednesday, IOC President Thomas Bach said Brazilians are showing "great dynamism" in preparing for the 2016 Games.

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- Paul Palladino