Australia’s swim team taking every precaution to combat zika virus at Olympic pool

AUSTRALIAN swimmers have been warned to be vigilant of the threat of zika virus with mosquitos visibly present at the Olympic swimming venue.

Cameron McEvoy on pool deck in Rio. Picture: Cameron Tandy

AUSTRALIAN swimmers have been warned to be vigilant of the threat of zika virus with mosquitos present at the Olympic swimming venue when the Dolphins appeared at the venue for the first time.

Veteran swim coach Denis Cotterell was spotted spraying insect repellent on the pool deck at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Stadium, while swimmers wasted no time jumping in the water to ensure they didn’t attract any mozzies to their cozzies.

Head coach Jacco Verhaeren confirmed the Dolphins had been specifically warned about the threat of zika at the competition pool and told to take precautions to ensure the health of their athletes.

“Yes we got, let’s say a security and safety briefing and it’s definitely the advice to wear long sleeves and to use mosquito repellent,” Verhaeren said.

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James Magnussen and Cameron McEvoy on pool deck in Rio.

“It can happen, but we’ve heard as well so far the risk is minimal and not every mosquito carries the virus. We will see.”

Verhaeren said the Australians were otherwise very comfortable in their village and had been impressed by the facilities of the Olympic venue that could become their pool of dreams when competition begins on Saturday.

“It’s actually very comfortable. Everything is really close to each other. The warm up pool and competition pool are really close,” Verhaeren said.

“I’m definitely not expecting any issues from that point. It seems like they have it together very, very well. Also the training pools are close by and looking awesome.

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“I think they’ve done a great job and let’s say we’re aware of the issues and the situation in the village but (chef de mission) Kitty (Chiller) and her team have done an amazing job of covering that as well.

“We have nothing to complain about.”

The Australian swimming team fronted the media for the first time in Rio on Tuesday afternoon, but far from throw hand grenades at their rivals or boast about their huge chance to win 10 Olympic gold medals, the Dolphins played it safe.

World No.1 100m freestyler Cameron McEvoy even managed to dodge the latest curly question surrounding Russian athletes, with two of his rivals Vladimir Morozov and Nikita Lobintsev likely to be reinstated to race in Rio after taking their ban to CAS.

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“The impact this stuff has on my preparation is virtually nil,” McEvoy said.

“Regardless of what happens I’m still going to rock up to the pool and do whatever session my coach gives me.

“I’m going to do the same race plan, same race strategy and absolutely nothing changes regardless of any decision outside of my own level of performing.

“That is what I need to do for myself.”

Originally published as Australia’s swim team taking every precaution to combat zika virus at Olympic pool