Olympic kayaker doesn't want to get wet

If there is one thing that every Olympic water sport has in common, getting wet is it. It’s an accepted hazard for the athletes competing on that surface.

Hazards most Olympic competitors don’t expect are super bacteria and viruses.

Rio de Janeiro’s water has been an issue coming into the 2016 Olympics. Most water Olympians have taken extra precautions while training in the water to keep Zika virus and other dangerous microorganisms at bay. One participant is hoping to cut the liquid middleman as much as possible to avoid any sort of infection.

“We’re gonna try and waterproof the uniform,” Team USA kayaker Maggie Hogan told Reuters.

Wait, what?

“Hopefully we’re creating less contact time,” the K1 500-meter canoe sprint competitor continued. “Make sure we get a lot of rest, wash our hands, take a shower right after and do the little things right.”

While competing in a plastic suit is impractical, there aren’t a lot of other options for Hogan to stay completely dry. Most fabrics can resist water to a point, but they need to be breathable for athletes. That means taking a few drops of water.

Olympians are trying everything to avoid contracting debilitating illnesses at one of the most important events of their lives. One Olympic rower is even carrying bleach so she can scrub the handles of her oars.

Rio isn’t the first brush with suspect water that Hogan has experienced.

“We’ve raced in Mexico City before, they’ve hosted quite a few events,” Hogan explained. “It’s a concern. It’s really a concern anywhere in the world now unfortunately.”

Hogan is also electing to leave her water bottle out of the kayak to avoid ingesting any water during the splash damage of training. She will take in all of her hydration before and after her workouts instead.

The rowing and canoe events will take place Aug. 5-21 at Lagoa Stadium.