Officials admitted yesterday that if the gale-force winds which caused disruption in the area of the Olympic Stadium occurred once the Olympic Games get under way, delays could be inevitable.
Following several hours of windy conditions, Sydney Games 2000 spokeswoman Liz Smilie said: "If that were to occur during the Games it would be a decision for venue managers and the international associations organising the events.
"Obviously they would have to take into account the number of people unable to get into the stadium. But if there were to be delays or cancellations that would be a decision for them."
Winds reached a peak of 40 m.p.h. at lunchtime yesterday, causing the cancellation of train services and evacuation from several sites.
Olympic contestants training at two of the venues in Olympic Park were forced to abandon their white-water and rafting sessions, while in the main press centre a staff area housing 200 volunteers was evacuated.
Gustavo Kuerten, Brazil's most popular sportsman, risks missing the Sydney Olympics over a row involving his personal shirt sponsors and Brazil's Olympic Committee (COB). COB President, Carlos Arthur Nuzman insists the player wear the uniform agreed upon by Brazil's national committee.
France's Olympic polevault champion Jean Galfione yesterday said he was only 70 per cent certain to defend his title in Sydney later this month and would take a final decision next Tuesday. The 29-year-old, who underwent surgery on a collapsed lung in May, added that he would only go if he felt he could clear the bar.