Like Usain Bolt out of the blocks, the Rio Olympics are fast approaching.
But organisers feel as if the event has turned from a sprint race into a hurdle race as the IOC, Brazil and Rio de Janeiro organisers deal with crisis after crisis down the home straight.
Political, economic, environmental, social and health-related crises are creating significant concerns about the health and welfare of athletes, spectators and community members in the lead-up to the 16-day event that starts on August 5.
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff lost a crucial impeachment vote on Monday and is likely to get the boot before the festivities even begin.
But that is not all. The Brazilian economy is having its worst slump since the 1930s, the mosquito-borne Zika virus is creating global concern and pregnant women have been encouraged not to go to the games.
There are serious pollution issues at Guanamara Bay (where just over half of the sewage flowing into that bay is treated), and rumours are rife of budget blowouts, corruption, power outages and civil unrest.
Will Brazil be able to host the Olympics with all this going on? Back in 2009, when Brazil won the hosting rights for the 2016 Summer Olympics, it was a very different picture - one of economic prosperity and the promise of a festive, colourful event to wow the world.
The picture presented now is much grittier, more real, less sugar-coated. All Olympic hosting cities try to present their best to the rest of the world on the Olympic stage, but surely by now we all know that it is all an act, a farce, a lacquered veneer that hides the reality?
It would be quite refreshing for the Olympics to be pared back. We have heard horror stories every four years of the poor being relocated to make room for yet another white-elephant stadium.
We know that excessive amounts of public funds are poured into the infrastructure required to host these events, which is then left to ruin post-Olympics.
It seems Brazil is being realistic about what it can host and has learnt its lessons from hosting other major sporting events.
Athletes shouldn't be shielded from the reality of living conditions for many people in this world. Sport is supposed to be character-building and a tool for personal development, and seeing how the less athletically gifted in the world survive is probably the best form of education and personal growth for our elite athletes.
If sport cannot be used as a platform upon which to raise concerns about civil issues, environmental concerns and human rights, then it is whimsical and empty.
People living in Brazil, and in other parts of the world, have to be brave and confront their situation every day. Athletes, volunteers, spectators and support staff wanting to go to the Olympics in August will have to do the same.
Performing to their best in these circumstances will make them winners. Showing empathy and the ability to think beyond their own world-view will make them champions.
