2016 Olympic Games preview: Rio’s preparedness, residents’ complaints, notable competitors & more

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Guests: Maureen Donaghy, Theresa Williamson, and Tom Goldman

Tomorrow marks the beginning of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The lead up to the games has been rocky at best – feces-infested water, the spread of Zika, resident displacement, human rights issues, security concerns, and athlete drop-outs are just some of what have plagued event organizers and Rio locals. There have also been rising scrutiny about potential doping violations. Today, a preview of the state of Rio and the state of the Olympics. We’ll talk about the non-sports side of the games with MAUREEN DONAGHY, an assistant professor of Political Science and Public Policy at Rutgers University–Camden, who has traveled to Rio de Janeiro to research the significant negative, long-term consequences the event may have for development and equality in the city. We’ll also speak with Brazil-based THERESA WILLIAMSON, editor of RioOnWatch, a group that has been reporting on the transformations in Rio de Janeiro’s communities through the 2016 Olympics. We’ll also get a preview of the events and athletes that viewers should keep their eye on during the Olympics with TOM GOLDMAN, NPR’s sports correspondent. He’ll also address the rising concerns about doping.

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