RIO: The President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, says organisers of next year’s Rio Olympics are “making great progress but there is no time to lose."

Speaking after a meeting of the IOC Executive Board in Kuala Lumpur, Mr Bach said “we have 44 test events coming up and we will have a great Games one year from now."

He pinpointed the water pollution at several venues including sailing, rowing and open water swimming as Rio’s biggest challenge.

The Rio 2016 Organising Committee delivered an update to the IOC Executive Board including measures designed “to clean up the bay.”

The sailing venue in Guanabara Bay has been dogged by floating debris and serious sewage contamination which has effected the health of athletes and coaches including those from the Australian Team.

“We must make sure the safety and health is assured as well as a fair competition," Bach said.

Lounge suites and washing machines as well as dead animals have been found floating in the bay and it is feared boats may hit floating objects and be knocked out of the competition.

Organisers have promised eco-boats equipped with nets to clear the Olympic course during the sailing competition and other water events.

The rowing venue has been hit by several incidents where thousands of dead fish have floated to the surface and polluted the bay.     

Mr Bach said great progress has been made in the construction of the Olympic Village and other sports facilities and the public transport project will be ready on time.

Mike Tancred in Kuala Lumpur
AOC