Olympics: Bach cites 'great dynamism' in Rio preparations

Lausanne, Switzerland • Brazilian Olympic organizers are benefiting from the successful hosting of the World Cup and showing "great dynamism" to overcome the delays that have plagued the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, IOC President Thomas Bach said Wednesday.

A day after Brazil's humbling 7-1 loss to Germany in the World Cup semifinals, Bach also said he is confident Brazilians will get over their "day of mourning" and fully embrace the first Olympics to be held in South America.

Bach and the IOC executive board received an update from Rio Olympic organizers, whose preparations have been dogged by severe construction holdups. In April, the International Olympic Committee enacted emergency measures to help get the games back on track.

Since then, Bach said, the Brazilians have heeded the warnings and started to make progress.

"We can really see there is a great dynamism in their preparations," Bach said at a news conference at the close of the three-day board meeting. "In particular, the city of Rio and the mayor and the governor have taken action on the government side and are making progress with regard to different venues."

However, he again warned that Rio is facing extremely tight deadlines.

"We have to stay vigilant and there is still no time to lose," Bach said. "But you really feel the determination and the enthusiasm of the organizing committee and their partners."

Bach was flying later Wednesday to Rio, where he will attend Sunday's World Cup final. On Friday, he will meet with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to discuss the Olympic preparations.

"The World Cup is encouraging," Bach said. "We are very confident we will have a great games in Rio and the sports-loving Brazilians with all their enthusiasm will be wonderful hosts."

Brazil's World Cup preparations were also marked by severe delays, with some stadiums only finished at the very last minute. But the tournament has run smoothly without major organizational problems since the start.

"We're very happy that many of the concerns which were mentioned before this World Cup did not turn into reality," Bach said.

With billions of dollars being spent on the World Cup and Olympics, there have been concerns that both events could be the target of massive protests. Bach, however, said Rio organizers presented figures showing strong public support.

"The World Cup and the organization and the atmosphere is clearly supporting the organization of the Olympic Games," Bach said.