With the Olympic Games approaching the finish line, Judy Simons, the Bermuda Olympic Association president, believes the sceptics have largely been silenced.

Corruption, crime, pollution and the Zika virus provided an easy backdrop to the run-up to the Games, and while Simons admits there have been challenges, she said she was confident Rio will be able to reflect on a successful competition.

“I think the Games have been very good, especially given the circumstances in Rio regarding the economic situation,” said Simons, who is in Rio with BOA officials Carlos Lee, Stan Douglas and Brenda Dale.

“There have been some challenges, and we’ve been working through them, but on the whole I’m quite pleased with what I’m seeing.”

Although some events have suffered from poor ticket sales and there have been the occasional embarrassment such the diving pool turning green, Simons has been impressed with the atmosphere in and around the seaside city.

“I went to the athletics when Mo Farah won [gold in the men’s 10,000 metres on Saturday night] and the stadium was absolutely packed,” Simons said. “The Beijing Olympics [in 2008] also had issues selling tickets as well so that’s not a unique situation.

“Brazil is strong in the beach games so they will always be well attended. At the end of the day the public will come out and support the country and the Games.

“I think people should be pleased with what’s happened so far.”

Simons believes it is foolish and unfair to compare Rio to the London Olympics in 2012, which are widely regarded as one of the most successful Games.

“Since Rio won the bid [in 2009] there have been some extenuating circumstances,” Simons said.

“It’s best not to compare the Games because no two cities operate the same way.

“You shouldn’t even compare London to Beijing because each city’s country operates differently.

“There have been transport issues here [for officials and media between the venues]. That’s one pet peeve of mine and they just can’t seem to get that right.”

Simons believes the majority of Bermuda’s eight-member team will still be competing in four years’ time and was encouraged by the remarks made by Sylvan Richards, the Minister for Sport, concerning funding at a team luncheon at the Windsor Oceanico Hotel in Barra da Tijuca last the weekend.

“I think our athletes have done well and many of them are competing at the Olympics for the first time,” Simons said. “Several of them have said to me that they’re already looking towards Toyko 2020.

“We will be looking to get the four-year programme worked out properly through the national sporting bodies.

“And you heard the sports minister say that he realises more money is required to get these athletes where they need to be.”