A refugee will be a torch bearer in 2016, Olympic committee says

Schoenau am Koenigssee, Germany (dpa) – The International Olympic Committee is in close contact with the World Health Organization (WHO) on the spread of the Zika virus, IOC president Thomas Bach said Saturday.

The International Olympic Committee sent a note to all national Olympic committees outlining the latest medical advice concerning Zika, the most recent problem for a country already dealing with a severe economic crisis and a sprawling corruption scandal.

“We remain confident that there will be a safe environment for successful and enjoyable games in Rio de Janeiro”, the statement concluded. The big question is whether Zika is responsible for the huge increase in birth defects reported by doctors, hospitals and other medical officials in Brazil over the last few months.

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“People have called to ask, ‘If this explodes, how would I cancel my trip?'” said Anbritt Stengele, president of Sports Traveler, a travel company in Chicago that specialises in packages for major sporting events.

Zika, transmitted by mosquitos, causes flu-like symptoms in adults – who usually make a full recovery.

Brazilian researchers believe the strain of Zika may have entered Brazil with visitors arriving for the 2014 World Cup. There is concern that the virus – which is spreading rapidly in the region and is possibly linked to brain damage in infants – could effect both athletes and visitors.

An Olympic Council of Ireland spokesperson told Independent.ie: “We are monitoring the situation and liaising with the worldwide Olympic committee and Rio 2016”.

On a three-day visit to Greece, Bach also said a refugee would carry the torch during the Greek leg of the flame relay and that the route would include a stop at an Athens refugee camp.

“Following the recently updated guidelines, any team members who are pregnant at the time of the Games need to consider the risks very carefully before deciding whether to proceed with travel to Brazil”.

Five to 10 refugee athletes are expected to qualify, and they will compete under the Olympic flag, Bach said, echoing remarks he made in October a year ago at the UN. “The greatest thing is that I will not be a pregnant woman at the Olympics”, said Montano, who is hoping to compete in Rio.