Could the Olympics be heading back to Russia just two years after the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi?
A source told R-Sport that Moscow could potentially replace Rio de Janeiro as the host of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games if needed. According to the report, there is concern about the lack of progress Rio has made in preparing for the competition.
“The source added that Moscow’s ability to afford the Games was still a question, and that the city could face a few difficulties in preparing certain sport facilities, such as in sailing, equestrian events and cycling,” the report also states.
Brazil already is working fast to be fully prepared to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament, which begins June 12.
The Russian capital has not hosted the Summer Olympics since 1980. Just 80 nations competed at those Olympic Games, the lowest total since 1956 (14 Olympics).
England also is being considered as a potential replacement if the 2016 Rio Games have to be moved. The Evening Standard reported on May 10 that “an informal approach was made by Olympics bosses to discover whether enough venues from the triumphant 2012 London Games could be brought back into use.”
No country has ever hosted back-to-back Summer Olympics. Tokyo will host the 2020 Summer Games.
