Olympic hero Scheidt downplays Rio water fears

Two-time Olympic sailing champion Robert Scheidt on Wednesday downplayed fears about water pollution at the Rio 2016 sailing venue.

Rio officials have been criticized for perceived slow progress of clean-up work to Guanabara Bay, which remains littered with trash and untreated sewage.

But Scheidt, a gold medallist in the laser class at the Atlanta 1996 and Athens 2004 Olympics, said he was confident the bay would be cleaned in time for the Games.

"I don't think the situation is as critical as some say," the 41-year-old told Sportv. "I think in summer the situation is worse because there is a lot of rain and that makes the water dirtier.

"During the winter the situation is different. We hope that it improves and that work is done to at least remove floating debris so that it doesn't interrupt the regattas."

Scheidt's comments came as it emerged Rio officials signed an agreement with the Netherlands government for joint action to clean Guanabara bay's waters.

Under the deal, Dutch technology institute Deltares will use weather and water condition data to predict where litter will accumulate.

Last month IOC president Thomas Bach said local authorities were on target to clean 80% of the bay before the Games.

Meanwhile Scheidt, who will be 43 when the Games begin, said his age would be an advantage, not a burden, in South America's first Olympics.

"I try to look at age as a simple number," he said. "Many people say that when you get to 40 you can no longer be a top athlete. But I don't believe that.

"I think I still have excellent potential. I'm still motivated Sailing is a sport where experience plays a big part and that will be something in my favor." Endi