IOC: Rio on track to deliver outstanding Olympics

Rio 2016 organizers are on track to "deliver an outstanding Olympic Games" next year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Wednesday.

The IOC coordination commission made its penultimate visit to Rio this week ahead of the first Olympics in South America.

As officials played down criticism of Rio's water quality, coordination commission chairperson Nawal El Moutawakel praised the success so far of Olympic test events.

"We have been delighted with the unity of spirit and mission that is driving Team Brazil to deliver a successful first wave of test events," said Moutawakel, the 400m hurdles champion at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games.

"We have already seen excellent volleyball, triathlon, rowing and equestrian events, with more exciting sport to come over the next few weeks. This demonstrates the organizers' capacity to deliver outstanding Olympic Games next year.

"Work to deliver important infrastructure and social legacies like the venues, public transport improvements, and educational initiatives continues at full speed. I believe that people will speak of a Rio and a Brazil before the Games and a Rio and a Brazil after the Games."

The coordination commission spent three days inspecting Rio 2016 venues and meeting with local officials.

Moutawakel hailed "significant progress" at Barra Olympic Park and the Olympic golf course since her last visit in February.

Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman added: "This was the most important coordination commission (meeting) that we have had so far. I say this because of the advanced state of our preparations and the ever increasing integration between the IOC, Rio 2016 and our partners in the federal, state and city governments." Endi