Will Rio change the Olympics narrative? A preview to the Games

Edition: US - Today's top story: On rocky road to Rio, the biggest loser may be the glory of hosting Olympics [Click here to view this message in your web-browser]. Edition: US 4 August 2016 [[The Conversation]Academic rigor, journalistic flair] Editor's note The opening ceremonies for the Rio Olympics begin tomorrow evening, with millions around the world tuning in to witness a spectacle of creativity, coordination and commemoration. But beneath the sheen of the four-hour extravaganza will be a city that has limped into the Games, its [people divided], its [economy] and [infrastructure] crumbling. Our writers wonder: [will Rio 2016 be a turning point], forever changing the narrative of glory associated with being a host city? And how much will [social media play a role] in determining whether or not these Olympics are deemed a success? We've also analyzed the big issues surrounding the 2016 Games, from [appeasing Zika fears] to exploring our [obsession with clean athletes], while making the case for [a new Olympics model]. Nick Lehr Editor, Arts and Culture Top story Will Rio pull victory out from a shaky run-up to the games? Ivan Alvarado/Reuters [On rocky road to Rio, the biggest loser may be the glory of hosting Olympics] John Rennie Short, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Will Brazil's troubles in preparing for the Rio Games change the global narrative of the value of hosting the Olympics? Rio Olympics 2016 - [As the Olympics approach, stains on Rio's architecture, infrastructure] Fernando Lara, University of Texas at Austin An architect rides through the streets of Rio amidst a cacophony of drills and jackhammers. He wonders: Is it worth it? What will the legacy of all this construction be? - [In Rio's bulldozed favelas, echoes of America's shantytowns] Lisa Goff, University of Virginia Like Brazil's favela dwellers, America's working poor felt a sense of pride and community in their shantytowns – and desperately resisted the powerful interests that sought to demolish them. - [The Olympics won't spread Zika around the world] Joseph Lewnard, Yale University The chance the someone at the Rio games will import the virus to their home country is low. - [Why Brazil's post-Olympics hangover will hit so hard] Terry L. McCoy, University of Florida The Olympics may give Brazilians a respite from their perfect storm of recession, corruption and political dysfunction, but it won't last long. - [Will social media define the success of the Olympic Games?] Katerina Girginova, University of Pennsylvania The mainstream media has knocked Brazil for the Zika virus, doping scandals and safety concerns. But citizen social media users, by revealing an alternate narrative, could even the score for Rio. - [Making the case for a new Olympics model] Paul Christesen, Dartmouth College With the one-city format no longer viable, an Olympics expert proposes a radical new vision for the format of the Olympic Games. It actually makes a lot of sense. - [What's really behind our obsession with 'clean' athletes?] Melissa Tandiwe Myambo, University of California, Los Angeles As technology becomes fully integrated into our everyday lives, we may see athletes as the last vestiges of our humanity. - [Since ancient Greece, the Olympics and bribery have gone hand in hand] Nigel Crowther, University of Western Ontario When fame and glory are at stake, human nature seems to dictate that some people will cheat. - [Does practice make an Olympian? Not by itself] Brooke Macnamara, Case Western Reserve University We've all heard that practice makes perfect, but that isn't always true. Genetics, cognitive abilities and other traits influence athletic ability. [The Conversation on Twitter] [The Conversation on Facebook] 3.3 million unique visitors a month You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation]. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly]. We’ll miss you. 745 Atlantic Ave. 8th Floor Boston, MA 02111