Here's what Rio locals really think about hosting the Olympics

Pilar Olivares/Reuters

From polluted waters to an "uninhabitable" Olympic village, many athletes aren't thrilled about the upcoming Olympic Games taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. When asked by Reuters to reflect on the Olympics coming to their hometown, Rio locals, known as "Cariocas," had similarly mixed feelings.

Some are optimistic about the boost in tourism and the chance to bolster their image; some dismiss the Olympics as a waste of resources; most worry about safety on the streets.  However, all of them hope that the games will leave the city in better condition than when they arrived.

"We are going through so many difficult times that the Olympics will bring a moment of joy and fraternization in this city that is the most beautiful in the world," said Jorge Salomao, a 70-year-old poet.

"For me the Olympics are synonymous with arbitrary, because many people have been evicted from their houses for the construction of the Olympic Parks," said Aline Santos, a 23-year-old student. "I am totally against the Olympics."

"Those in a position to rent out rooms in their houses can earn extra income, as well as those who work in the tourism industry," student and acrobat Guilherme Barbosa said. "But most people are abandoned in precarious health and education services."