Spokesman for Rio Olympics: Athletes can compete in safety

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) The chief spokesman for the Rio Olympics says, ''I can guarantee in the name of Rio 2016 that the athletes can compete in safety.''

Mario Andrada was responding Monday to the publication of the latest water study by The Associated Press, which found severe viral contamination in all outdoor aquatic venues for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Some of the worst pollution is in Rio's Guanabara Bay, which will host the sailing competition. Andrada says: ''We could and should have done a little better. But it does not remain a threat to the athletes. The athletes will compete in safety.''

Rio dumps at least half of its untreated sewage into the water surrounding the city, soiling many of its world-famous beaches.