Reporting From Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre, Rio de Janeiro – Murky green water that took over the diving pool at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre in the Barra Olympic Park gave the Canadian bronze medalists an edge Tuesday.
The water was the typical clear blue for Monday’s dives but overnight the color changed to something less appealing and remained that way until the Women’s Synchronised 10m Platform diving finals began in the afternoon.
But Canada’s Meaghan Benfeito and her team mate Roseline Filion took advantage of the problem.
Benfeito said “it’s water, we know that its water down there, the fact that it was green actually helped because it is a visual sport and I passed most of the water, so the fact that that it was completely different than the sky really helped us, it was really on our side today, so I’m happy about that.”
Canada managed to earn bronze by making a solid fifth round dive and moving ahead of the North Korea and Great Britain teams. China took gold in the competition with Malaysia picking up the silver.
A Rio 2016 spokesperson said that organizers were not yet clear on what caused the water to suddenly become murky, but water tests showed that the water was safe for the athletes and their health. The competition was approved to begin on time.
“We just didn’t open our mouths in the water,” Benfeito said.
Rio 2016 has been under fire for water pollution problems at the rowing and canoeing facilities, and athletes have been urged not to put their face in the water. Earlier in the year some rowers complained about getting ill.
The spokesman said the diving pool will be cleaned up as-soon-as-possible.
