The Olympics are over for Brazil -- was it worth it?

I think for many of us watching on telly the host is just a backdrop to what is happening on the field, court, water or road. Was it worth it? Yes. As long as a city can provide those venues - the athletes provide nearly all the entertainment - then I think most people couldn't care less where it is taking place. Everything else is pretty secondary. And we will move on in four years and barely give a thought to the city that hosted the last Usain Bolt gold and how it is doing now, even if it bankrupted itself in the process.

I think the point here is not about where the sporting events were held but was it worth for the town and the nation after the games are over! There are many good and bad examples of merit for the locals and the country as well as abandoned venue sites and buildings that turn to ruins. Olympics has become expensive extravaganza that only few take the cream and often the host country has to struggle to pay for the honor. In the case with Brazil - I think there is a lot they got that they wouldn't get without the games but it doesn't change anything for the poor. But that would be the case anywhere...

I think only Brazilians and athletes can answer your question.

Yes, Brazil was capable. But I think their world cup and Olympics hosting triumphs will prove to be pyrric in the long run.

No.

I hope the Cariocas enjoyed their "party", because they are now going to have to suffer the hangover.

The benefits sought from hosting the Olympics are twofold: i. a legacy of infrastructure to improve the locality; ii. a boost to the international image of the hosts.

But in the case of Rio the improvements in infrastructure are minimal (and will not actually benefit the locals anyway) and the chaotic games, crime and pollution have actually sullied Rio's international image. And let's not even start to talk about the financial side ...

So, all in all, I'm afraid that while the Olympics were, of course, great fun to watch, they will have done nothing to benefit Rio itself.