Athlete's Village Too Far Away
15 June 1997Sport stars have shunned Sydney's $470 million athletes' village even before it has opened because it is too far from some competition venues. Organisers had hoped the 2000 Games would be the first time all athletes would be housed in the same village.
But despite a promise by SOCOG that no venue would be more than 30 minutes from Homebush Bay, travelling times have blown out by as much as 15 minutes triggering an exodus of athletes.
Aming the early departures are the German rowers who are going to Penrith, near the Games course. It will save them 45 minutes travelling time. The Australian rowing team, among several others, is considering moving to Penrith, while yachting teams are expected to move closer to their course at Rushcutters Bay.
