Amid a struggling economy and poor conditions, Rio de Janeiro was selected to host this year’s Summer Olympics. Before we begin our criticisms of what the city is not, let’s first look at the positive aspects or simply what could not be dismissed.

The selection process in choosing a city to host these infamous games is far from simple. In fact, it took over nine years to complete. Rio was chosen back in 2007 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). After just successfully hosting the 2007 Pan America Games, Rio was more than qualified to host the summer games at the time. Rio then proved their success once more by hosting the 2014 FIFA world cup.

To be awarded the task of hosting the Olympics is not just a huge honor, itt is a symbol for much more. The Olympics are a showing of economic prosperity for the country. Brazil is 7th in the world’s wealthiest economies. In the country’s 120 year history, Rio is the first city in South America to be granted sport’s greatest honor by the IOC. Pride for this accomplishment was very evident in the opening ceremony which heavily broadcasted Brazil’s rich history and beautiful environment.

Pride continued to surge through Rio as Brazil had one of their best Olympic turn outs. The country as a whole claimed 19 medals, seven of those being gold. Brazil showcased their skills winning gold in volleyball, judo, boxing, and track and field, just to name a few. Perhaps the best moment within the whole two weeks was when Neymar won the penalty shot against Germany in the men’s soccer final winning Brazil the gold for the first time in their most treasured sport. Winning gold for your country on home turf is an honor and an experience most athletes can only dream of. This year team Brazil had that once in a lifetime opportunity.

Hosting the Summer Olympics holds endless possibilities for the country of Brazil. Pressure to develop a clean and healthy environment for these athletes to compete in has also greatly benefited the communities. The citizens can now enjoy clean beaches and a safer community due to the boosted security and healthier living conditions. In addition, hosting an international event in which the world can all participate in gives Rio the spotlight they need. The city is now booming with tourism, providing economic prosperity and world recognition. Brazil was able to showcase cognition and appreciation which will continue long after the summer games.

Long before the Olympic torch was lit in Rio de Janeiro, the city’s economic and health concerns were heated issues debated by reporters and Olympic fanatics alike.

These issues resulted in the lack of attendance of the many athletes who chose to protect themselves from Zika and the political turmoil in Brazil.

Financial reasons aside, the Zika virus – stemming from Brazil itself – was a large factor to consider when deciding to host the Games in Rio. Hundreds of thousands of sports fans attend the summer and winter Games every two years, and seeing as Zika is so easily contracted, it is possible that the Games were a way that the virus could have spread to the home countries of spectators and athletes – a risk both unnecessary and unwarranted.

Despite Zika’s sickly grip on Rio, Brazil’s unstable economy was reason enough to cancel the Games. Although the decision for Rio to host the Games was made at a time when the city was growing economically, the country is currently in a recession not dissimilar to the Great Depression. Brazil’s lack of monetary stability has also caused the loss of funds for the police officers – something I believe is a necessity in a country notorious for its high crime rate.

At what point does the committee decide that enough is enough?

Brazil’s political situation did not justify an international event being held in its city brimming with over nine million citizens. The country’s president, Dilma Rousseff, was suspended from office in May as an impeachment trial takes place for her alleged manipulation of government accounts.

Was the IOC blind to the turmoil of Brazil?

The city has more than a few internal issues, such as high crime rate and harrowing poverty. By hosting the Games, over 75 thousand people were evicted from their homes in order to build the Olympic Village and sporting facilities. In a country where many citizens already live in favelas – or extremely poor neighborhoods – I wonder how the IOC could justify taking away the only chance at a home that Brazilians have.

Despite the IOC’s best intentions for the Brazilian city, Rio’s many complications should have made the world think twice before proceeding with the Olympics.