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Diving pool turns green for synchronised final at Rio Olympics

Michael Chammas

The diving pool at the Rio Olympics has come under fire after the water changed to a murky green colour for the women's 10 metre synchronised final.

Rio officials were forced to answer questions over the condition of the pool, which was drastically different to the clear blue water polo pool adjacent to the diving facility inside the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre.

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Rio 2016: Olympic diving pool turns green

The diving pool at the Rio Olympics turns a murky green colour before the women's 10 metre synchronised final.

It is understood Olympic officials weren't concerned for the health of the divers despite the condition worsening throughout the afternoon.

Rio 2016 organisers sent out a statement on Tuesday night, adamant the pool is of no risk to athletes.

On Tuesday (Rio time) the blue of the water polo pool contrasted markedly with the green of the diving pool.
On Tuesday (Rio time) the blue of the water polo pool contrasted markedly with the green of the diving pool. Photo: Joe Armao

"To ensure a high quality field of play is mandatory to Rio 2016 committee," the statement said.

"Water tests at Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre diving pool were conducted and it was found to be no risk to athletes' health. We are investigating what are the causes of the situation but are pleased to say the competition was successfully completed."

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While no more events are scheduled at the aquatic centre on day four, organisers are expecting competition to resume tomorrow.

British diving duo Tonia Couch and Lois Toulson, who missed out on a medal, insist they weren't fazed by the colour change in the event won by the Chinese.

The diving pool has turned green.
The diving pool has turned green.  Photo: Michael Chammas

"Well there was [something wrong] as far as we could see," Couch said.

"Maybe there's nothing wrong? Maybe it's just us? Maybe we're seeing it wrong and it is blue. When you're at the Olympics you're not thinking of the colour of the pool, you're thinking 'wow, I'm at the Olympic Games.

Divers were forced to dive into a green pool.
Divers were forced to dive into a green pool.  Photo: Michael Chammas

"We're competing at our first Games, so whether or not we dove well or dove great it was an amazing experience and we couldn't ask anything more than that. We noticed it during warm ups but it didn't really faze us."

The American competitors, Jessica Parratto and Amy Cozad, echoed the sentiment of the Brits, but couldn't help but notice the change of the water.

"It's so green": United States' Amy Cozad, top, and Jessica Parratto before diving into the green pool.
"It's so green": United States' Amy Cozad, top, and Jessica Parratto before diving into the green pool. Photo: AP

"It's pretty green. It's so green," Parratto said.

"I don't know why. I said we got a personal best score so maybe we should ask for a green pool from now on. I kind of liked it. I think when the sun down it was worse. I couldn't see [Amy] when I was underneath."

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