Whilst Michael ‘Speedy’ Stratton enjoys a well-earned break – sources say he hasn’t had a day off in 45 years – The Area News editor Monique Patterson fills in and has a chat with sports journalist Ben Jaffrey about the games in this week’s At The Bar.

Ben: The Rio Olympics are just around the corner – anything you’re looking to binge watch, Monique?

Monique: I'll watch some events. There’s gymnastics – every girl loves gymnastics – swimming, diving, the weight lifting can be entertaining and polevaulting.

Ben: I never saw you as a weight lifting fan but there you go. I love the table tennis and the boys don’t mind gymnastics, either. Who doesn’t like the balls and the ribbons?

Monique: I have been known to pick up a table tennis bat on occasion so I’ll probably give that a gander as well.

Ben: Before we get to the gymnastics or any sport for that matter, there’s been a fair bit going on in the lead-up.

Monique: Yeah, there are a few issues that are proving interesting even before the first athlete steps into an arena. First off, the state of the accommodation for the athletes.

Ben: I have heard that, leaking pipes and what-not.

Monique: And some. Australia's chef de mission Kitty Chiller said there were ‘blocked toilets, leaking pipes, exposed wiring, darkened stairwells where no lighting has been installed and dirty floors in need of a massive clean’. This is a sad state of affairs.

Ben: Problems with the construction of the villages and stadiums always seem to pop up at an Olympics.

Monique: Well, I was talking about this the other day at work, whether the Olympics should be held in one location in a purpose-built facility every four years.

Ben: I guess Athens would be the perfect spot if you were going to do it.

Monique: Exactly and I think it’s a good idea. Too often countries struggle to cover the costs involved with hosting the event and years after the event the facilities are under utilised. 

Ben: As far as catering to the athletes goes – it makes sense.

Monique: I sense you think a few problems would arise.

Ben: Well, I think the Olympics are great for building sports in other countries as well. Brazil might become a dominant force in rugby after the sevens is played there – who knows. Also, could you imagine all the other countries in the world saying ‘let’s let Greece hold this massive event all the time’?

Monique: Oh well, let’s throw a cat among the pigeons and see what happens. Can’t hurt.