When the IOC abstained from issuing a general ban on Russian athletes after the McLaren report revealing a state supported doping system, the committee failed on its self-proclaimed mission “to protect clean athletes”. Thousands of clean athletes in sport’s global elite and sub-elite are even less protected than before.

In a collection of opinion pieces, political analysts discuss some of the changes and challenges that hosting the Olympics has meant for the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Police officers in Rio were striking earlier this week due to budget cuts strongly affecting their work. On top of this, the Rio 2016 organisers had to face the news that two more athletes withdraw from the Olympics citing fears of zika virus.

State governor, Dornelles, declared a state of financial emergency, on Friday June 17th, asking for federal funds to help fulfil public obligations, as the state of Rio de Janeiro struggles with economic recession prior to 2016 Games.

The upcoming Rio 2016 Olympics is like a kiss between two globally famous institutions who are both immersed in a deep political crisis, Both the IOC and Brazil need the inspiration of hope that the other can convey to the world public, write associate professor Katia Rubio and international director Jens Sejer Andersen in this comment piece.

The spreading of Zika virus should lead to a postponement of the Olympic Games in Rio this summer, a group of scientists argues. Official recommendations maintain that there is no need for such drastic precautions.

Hosting two mega-events in Brazil within two years has resulted in many political promises on improvement for the citizens in Brazil and in particular Rio de Janeiro where the 2016 Olympics will be held. Presentations at Play the Game 2015 shed light on some of the less glamorous consequences.

Reports on the level of pollution in Rio’s Guanabara Bay reinforce doubts about the waters’ suitability as a 2016 Olympic venue.