Athletes competing in the Rio Olympics are seeing red after the diving pool turned a murky shade of green. Now the water polo pool has also turned the uninviting shade of yuck.

Officials say the pools are safe to swim and the greenish water is simply algae. Come again?

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olympics pools green algae

Speaking with the Associated Press after yesterday’s algae problem, Olympic spokesperson Mario Andrada says that the puke-green hue was caused by a “proliferation of algae” primarily because of “heat and a lack of wind.” Officials assured Olympians that the water was tested and found completely safe. Andrada additionally mentioned that the diving pool would return to a nice lovely blue color as of Wednesday (today), and it definitely didn’t do that. Instead, their algae problem has only multiplied. So take note, Tokyo. Maybe in 2020 consider an Olympic pool cleaning competition. h/t gizmodo

olympics pools turn green algae