Minn. Olympians focus on competition, not state of host city

Published 10:27 am Friday, August 5, 2016

ST. PAUL — Rower Megan Kalmoe is among Olympians with Minnesota connections that say they’re not concerned about the Zika virus, water quality, security and other issues that have been raised about Rio de Janerio.

The Minneapolis-born and St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin-raised athlete says questions about the potential problems with the host city shift the focus away from competition that only happens once every four years — and it’s not helpful.

Stillwater native Ben Blankenship is running the 1,500-meter race and tells the St. Paul Pioneer Press he can only be concerned with the job he has to do and not the things that are out of his control.

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And, former Gophers volleyball player Daly Santana says the Olympic Committee has provided athletes with the necessary clothing and equipment to be protected.