Divers might be blue over water’s new hue

The Olympic Games diving pool was gradually turning a lighter shade of green on Thursday, but was still far from the normal aqua-blue. Its sudden transformation to a disturbing green earlier in the week prompted concerns, but officials said tests proved the water was safe.

They blamed a chemical imbalance caused by the sudden infusion of athletes and said it would be normal again within days.

But that may give some athletes the blues. The British and American men’s 3 m synchronized springboard competitors — they won gold and silver, respectively, on Wednesday — both said the deep-green hue helped with visualizing the pool’s surface, which can aid divers. “The water was easy to see that’s for sure,” said US diver Sam Dorman. rate of just over 70 percent”.’

Organizers added that “this number allows us to operate at a comfortable level as some volunteers not showing up was factored into our plans”.’

Namibian boxer Jonas Junias lost his first bout four days after he had been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in the athletes village.

The 22-year-old Junias was the Namibian flagbearer at last week’s opening ceremony. He was one of two boxers arrested on sexual assault charges.

Junias was arrested on Monday and accused of sexually attacking two housekeepers in the village.

Games organizing committee spokesman Mario Andrada said Junias and Hassan Saada of Morocco were released from police custody on Thursday.