One of the greatest sounds you can ?????? ??????? ??? ???????hear as an Olympian is the roar of the crowd cheering you on.
Sadly, some athletes were denied that experience on Saturday when lines formed for several blocks outside an arena in Rio de Janeiro as spectators were forced to endure long security checks. Security officials cited shootings and bombs threats outside the stadium. As lines became hours long and crowds grew restless from the sweltering heat, inside, gymnasts performed to an empty arena.
SEE ALSO: We asked an Olympian what it's like to spend 4 years training for RioA few hundred spectators ultimately made their way into the arena, as well as the beach volleyball courts on Copacabana beach.
While the security concerns were pressing, organizers cited a lack of communication between security officials, including police, games staff and private security firms, as the reason for the crisis.
Even the boxing venue had dozens of empty seats. This is the first time boxing has been in the Olympics, and many spectators were devastated.
"It's a lack of respect for the fan that bought tickets. It's a shame," Rio resident Natalia Carvalho told Reuters.
Long security check point lines on a cloudy day here in #RIO #KSDKRIO @ksdknews pic.twitter.com/CtJFs4gkwK
— Ryan Dean (@RyanDeanKSDK) August 3, 2016
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Security is a major concern for the Rio Games. In the past few days, the area has experienced a series of killings, kidnappings and robberies. On Friday, a 22-year-old man was shot dead by police outside of Maracana stadium.
Games spokesman Mario Andrada has since promised improvement.
"We feel sorry for the people who are there," Andrada said. "Some time in line is acceptable but there needs to be a balance."