The organisers of the Athens Olympics have been forced to abandon plans to build a roof over the swimming pool. They have decided it would be impossible to finish it by August, when the Games will be held.
The roof would have shaded swimmers from searing temperatures and ensured top quality TV pictures but the swimming schedule may now be changed.
"We have come to the conclusion that the timely completion of the roof was not guaranteed," said the organisers.
Work on the roof was stopped after consultations with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Swimming Federation (FINA).
"The IOC has been informed and immediately asked the Greek government and ATHOC to work on contingency plans... to ensure there will be no negative effects for athletes, the sport and broadcasters," the organisers added.
According to officials, plans may include shifting competition hours to later in the afternoon to avoid direct sunlight hitting the pool, allowing athletes to swim in cooler temperatures.
Athens will hold the first outdoor swimming events since the 1992 Games in Barcelona.
The decision to scrap the roof is the third major shift in organisers' plans since a new conservative government ended more than a decade of socialist rule by winning an election earlier this month.
With less than 150 days to the opening ceremony on 13 August more than half of the venues have still to be finished.
The main Olympic stadium is not due to be ready until three weeks before the Games start.
MMIX
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